J Anbazhagan, a MLA from India’s Tamil Nadu who had tested positive for coronavirus, died in a hospital in Chennai in the morning of June 10, 2020.
Anbazhagan, 61, a DMK MLA, was admitted to hospital on June 2 over “severe acute respiratory distress” and had tested positive for COVID-19 at the time, reported NDTV.
He was put on ventilator support on June 3 when his breathing trouble worsened. He was fighting acute pneumonia and his condition deteriorated on Monday evening, according to Dr Rela Institute and Medical Centre, where he was being treated, highlighted NDTV’s J Sam Daniel Stalin.
His cardiac function dropped and a chronic kidney disease also contributed to his critical condition.
In a statement, the private hospital said: “The COVID 19 pneumonia rapidly deteriorated early this morning. In spite of full medical support including mechanical ventilation at our COVID facility he succumbed to his illness.”
Anbazhagan was the first big political leader to die of coronavirus in Tamil Nadu.
Chief Minister E Palaniswami and DMK chief MK Stalin have condoled the politician’s death. Mr Stalin has announced three-day mourning with the DMK flag at half-mast. All party events have also been called off.
A staunch DMK loyalist and a good organiser, Anbazhagan was active in the party’s community outreach amid the lockdown. Mr Stalin said: “How will I forget Anbazhagan, who died contracting the virus, dedicating himself for public life. My dear brother Anbazhagan… when will I see you again”.