Tamil Nadu BJP Leaders Pay Tribute to Veteran Congress Leader Ananthan, Console Tamilisai Over Father’s Demise
Chennai, (The Uttam Hindu): Senior leaders from the Tamil Nadu BJP, including Union Minister of State L. Murugan, BJP Legislative Party leader Nainar Nagendran, and Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai, paid heartfelt tributes to the late Kumari Ananthan, former President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC), who passed away early on Wednesday at the age of 93. Ananthan, a prominent Gandhian and veteran Congress leader, was also the father of Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, former Tamil Nadu BJP President and former Governor of Telangana and Puducherry. The BJP leaders hailed Ananthan’s contributions to Tamil Nadu’s political and cultural landscape, highlighting his simplicity, principled politics, and deep dedication to Tamil society.
Union Minister L. Murugan expressed his condolences on social media, describing Ananthan as a literary luminary and devoted Congressman who worked alongside Perunthalaivar Kamaraj. Murugan praised Ananthan for his immense contributions to Tamil society and offered his deepest sympathies to Dr. Tamilisai and her family. BJP Legislative Party leader Nainar Nagendran referred to Ananthan as a “nationalist and principled politician” who made an enduring impact on the state's political and cultural history. Nagendran noted Ananthan’s service as TNCC chief, five-time MLA, and Member of Parliament, and acknowledged the immense void left by his passing.
State BJP President K. Annamalai fondly remembered Ananthan as a “disciple of Kamaraj” who dedicated his life to various causes, including river-linking, palm cultivation, and Tamil pride. Annamalai emphasized that Ananthan’s work and foot marches had inspired generations of young leaders and that his death was a significant loss for Tamil Nadu. Other BJP leaders, including actor-turned-politician R. Sarathkumar, also extended their condolences to Dr. Tamilisai and her family, praying for peace for the departed soul and strength for the grieving family.
Born on March 19, 1933, in Agasteeswaram, Kanniyakumari district, Kumari Ananthan came from a family of freedom fighters. He was deeply influenced by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and the leadership of Congress stalwart K. Kamaraj. Ananthan’s political journey, which began with a commitment to social justice and public service, saw him elected to the Lok Sabha in 1977 from the Nagercoil constituency, followed by four terms as an MLA in Tamil Nadu. As TNCC President, Ananthan led several padyatras advocating for the rights of farmers, laborers, and marginalized communities. His efforts were instrumental in securing free electricity for small-scale farmers, a policy change that significantly benefitted Tamil Nadu’s agricultural sector.
A staunch advocate for Tamil culture and language, Ananthan campaigned for the prioritization of Tamil in Central government offices within the state. He was honored with the 'Thagaisal Tamizhar' award for his contributions to Tamil society, literature, and public service. Kumari Ananthan had been undergoing treatment for age-related ailments at a private hospital in Vellore, where he passed away on the morning of April 9.
