EVKS Elangovan Passes Away At 75 In Chennai; Kharge, Thalapathy Vijay, Annamalai Express Condolence

Former Tamil Nadu Congress President EVKS Elangovan passed away at a private hospital in Chennai on Saturday.

He was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chennai for lung-related issues.

The grandson of Periyar EV Ramasamy's brother Krishnasamy, Erode Venkata Krishnasamy Sampath Elangovan represented the Gobichettipalayam Lok Sabha constituency of Tamil Nadu and was the Textiles Minister for the Union Government between 2004 and 2009.

Expressing his condolence, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Former Union Minister, Former PCC President of @INCTamilNadu, and Erode MLA, Thiru EVKS Elangovan. A candid and courageous leader, he was a consensus builder. He devoted his entire life to upholding the progressive ideals and principles of the Congress Party and Thanthai Periyar, serving the people of Tamil Nadu with steadfast dedication and commitment."

Actor-turned-politician Vijay expressed his deepest condolences on his Twitter account. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief said, "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Mr. EVKS Elangovan, a member of the family of Father Periyar, former President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, senior leader of the Congress Party, former Union Minister of State for Textiles and current Erode East Legislative Assembly member, due to ill health. I express my deepest condolences to his bereaved family and the Congress party. I pray to God that the soul of Mr. EVKS Elangovan may rest in peace."

In a post on X, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai said, "I am deeply saddened to hear the news that Mr. E.V.K.S.Elangovan, former State President of Tamil Nadu Congress Party and Erode East Constituency Assembly Member, has passed away due to ill health.

My deepest condolences to his family. I pray to God to rest his soul in peace. Om Shanti!"

BJP leader Khusbhu Sundar said that Elangovan a "non-egoistic leader with a large heart who believed in inclusivity."

She added, "Had the opportunity to work under his guidance and leadership when in Congress. A man with wit and courage. A rare breed of an absolute non egoistic leader with a large heart who believed in inclusivity. He will be missed by all. Rest in peace Sir."