Erode MP and MDMK leader A Ganeshamurthi, who was reportedly hospitalized after attempting suicide recently, passed away early Thursday morning due to a cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Coimbatore. He was 76 years old.
The senior MDMK functionary died at 5.05 am due to a cardiac arrest, as confirmed by the hospital in Coimbatore.
On March 24, Ganeshamurthi allegedly attempted to end his life by consuming pesticide and was immediately taken to a hospital in Erode in critical condition. He was later transferred to a hospital in Coimbatore, where he was placed on ECHO support.
His body has been sent for postmortem examination.
Ganeshamurthi, a three-time MP from the Erode constituency, was a prominent figure in the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK).
He won the 2019 Lok Sabha election on the DMK’s rising sun symbol. For the upcoming general elections, the MDMK and DMK had decided to field Durai Vaiko, the son of MDMK general secretary Vaiko, as the party’s candidate.
Vaiko, the founder of the MDMK, expressed shock over Ganeshamurthi’s death, stating, “He was happy with the seat (party ticket) issue. He met me twice. We never expected him to make such a decision. 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 also mourned Ganeshamurthi’s sudden demise, highlighting the unpredictability of life. He tweeted, “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.”