H Vasanthakumar was in critical condition after contracting severe pneumonia, doctors said.
Chennai:
Congress MP from Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari, H Vasanthakumar, who had tested positive for the coronavirus, has died, hospital authorities in Chennai said on Friday.
The 70-year old leader was admitted to an Apollo Hospital in Chennai on August 10 with a coronavirus infection, the hospital had said.
He was in critical condition after contracting severe pneumonia and had been placed on ventilator support, doctors said.
A first-time MP from Tamil Nadu, H Vasanthakumar had also been elected MLA twice in the past from the Nanguneri assembly constituency and was the working president of the state Congress committee.
He also established Vasanth & Co, a chain of consumer electronics and home appliances stores and Vasanth TV, an entertainment satellite channel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condoled his death on Twitter.
Saddened by the demise of Lok Sabha MP Shri H. Vasanthakumar Ji. His strides in business and social service efforts were noteworthy. During my interactions with him, I always saw his passion towards Tamil Nadu’s progress. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/SmuAK8ufAx
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 28, 2020
The news of Kanyakumari MP, Shri H Vasanthakumar’s untimely demise due to Covid-19 has come as a shock.
His commitment to the congress ideology of serving the people will remain in our hearts forever.
Heartfelt condolences to his friends and family members. pic.twitter.com/oqhrfQXEUD
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 28, 2020
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala tweeted, “Deeply saddened at the untimely demise of a born fighter, resolute Congressman, M.P & Working President of TNCC – Sh. H. Vasanthakumar.”
“All of us, along with lakhs of his supporters, will always miss him deeply. Heartfelt condolences to family & well wishers. RIP,” he added.
H Vasanthakumar is the second lawmaker in Tamil Nadu to die of COVID-19. Earlier, DMK MLA Palakadai Anbazhagan had died after contracting the coronavirus.
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/congress-mp-h-vasanthakumar-dies-of-covid-19-in-chennai-2286959
