Coronavirus: Congress MP and Vasanth & Co founder H Vasanthakumar dies at 70
The Apollo Hospitals in Chennai said the MP was treated for severe pneumonia and his condition deteriorated gradually.
![Coronavirus: Congress MP and Vasanth & Co founder H Vasanthakumar dies at 70](https://sc0.blr1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/article/146684-kkyygtipkd-1598627907.jpg)
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee Working President and MP from Kanyakumari H Vasanthakumar, who had tested positive for the coronavirus earlier this month, died on Friday. He was 70. He was the founder of Vasanth & Co, a successful chain of consumer electronics and home appliances stores.
Vasanthakumar was admitted to Chennai’s Apollo Hospitals on August 10. “He was treated in Critical Care Unit for severe Covid pneumonia,” the hospital said in a statement. “Despite all active medical measures, his condition deteriorated gradually due to Covid complication and passed away today.”
The first time MP from Tamil Nadu, also a two-time MLA, defeated former Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Vasanthakumar is also the younger brother of former Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President Kumari Anandan. Anandan’s daughter and Vasanthakumar’s niece is BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan.
The Congress expressed its condolences. “A staunch Congressman, true leader of the people and beloved MP,” the party said in a tweet. “He will be sorely missed by all members of the Congress party and his followers. Our prayers are with his family in this time of grief.”
We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Shri H. Vasanthakumar. A staunch Congressman, true leader of the people & beloved MP.
— Congress (@INCIndia) August 28, 2020
He will be sorely missed by all members of the Congress party & his followers. Our prayers are with his family in this time of grief. pic.twitter.com/BU49MrbNXg
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed their grief. “Saddened by the demise of Lok Sabha MP Shri H Vasanthakumar Ji,” the prime minister tweeted. “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.”
Gandhi said the MP’s commitment to the Congress ideology of serving people will remain in their hearts forever. “Heartfelt condolences to his friends and family members,” he added.
In June, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam legislator J Anbazhagan died after contracting the coronavirus.
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.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 28, 2020
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
Other Congress leaders also expressed their condolences:
We always use to call you #PunnagaiMannan Your warm smile,your easy approach towards a crisis,you wearing #Congress batch with supreme pride on your sleeves,never shying away from hardwork, your commitment to serve the poor. Everything will be missed #Vasanthakumar Avl. #RIP ?? pic.twitter.com/Ko82IDitUk
— KhushbuSundar ?? (@khushsundar) August 28, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to his family. May the departed soul rest in peace.
— Ghulam Nabi Azad (@ghulamnazad) August 28, 2020
Sorry to hear about the sudden passing away of Kanyakumari MP, Shri.H Vasanthakumar ji due to Covid-19. A staunch Congressman and a mass leader who was committed to serve the people. Heartfelt condolonces to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/5XKLbJK0RF
— Balasaheb Thorat (@bb_thorat) August 28, 2020