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Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s (MDMK) A Ganeshamurthi, the sitting Lok Sabha MP from Tamil Nadu’s Erode, died on Thursday morning due to cardiac arrest, ANI reported. He was 76.
The MDMK leader allegedly attempted to end his life by consuming pesticide and was rushed to hospital in Erode in a critical condition on March 24.
The police said, Ganeshamurthi, who was elected on a DMK ticket in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, developed uneasiness and was admitted to a private hospital in the city.
After an initial check-up, he was admitted to the ICU and was put on a ventilator, according to PTI. The Lok Sabha MP was later shifted to a private hospital in nearby Coimbatore. He died at 5.05 am today.
The body has been sent for postmortem.
Several politicians including state minister for urban development and housing S Muthusamy, BJP MLA from Modakurichi Dr C Saraswathy, and AIADMK leader K V Ramalingam had rushed to the hospital to enquire about Ganeshamurthi’s health.
Ganeshamurthi, a three-time MP, held prominent positions within the MDMK ranks. He was reportedly upset over the party’s refusal to give him a ticket to contest from the Erode seat in the coming Lok Sabha polls. The DMK has fielded its candidate in Erode and has decided to give the Tiruchy seat to the MDMK. Durai Vaiko, son of MDMK general secretary Vaiko, has been named the party’s candidate from Tiruchy.
Vaiko who rushed to Coimbatore, however, denied that Ganeshamurthi was upset regarding the ticket distribution.
“He was happy with the seat (party ticket) issue. He met me twice. We never expected him to make such a decision,” Vaiko was quoted as saying by ANI. “He was in a good mood. I cannot believe that he took such a step and passed away. We pay our deep homage.”
Congress leader Manickam Tagore took to social media to express his grief over the sitting MP’s demise.
“Sad to hear about the passing of Erode Lok Sabha Member Thiru. #GaneshaMurthy. His sudden heart attack highlights the fragility of life. His victories in the 2009 & 2019 elections with MDMK showcased his dedication to the public. Condolences to his loved ones. May he rest in peace,” Tagore wrote.
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