Veteran Communist Party of India (CPI) leader R. Nallakannu passed away on Wednesday (February 25, 2026) following multi-organ failure at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. The 101-year-old political leader was admitted to the ICU on February 1 following health issues and received intensive care from a multidisciplinary team of doctors. He was on life support and his condition deteriorated on Monday. “He was not able to tolerate treatment and his condition deteriorated further on Wednesday,” a release from the hospital said. He was declared dead by doctors at 1.55pm.
R. Nallakannu, one of the most respected and enduring figures in Tamil Nadu’s political history was born on December 26, 1925, in Thiruvaikundam. He grew up during a period when India was in the final stages of its struggle against British colonial rule. The political ferment of the time, combined with the visible inequalities in rural society, shaped his early worldview. Drawn toward social justice and economic equality, he gravitated toward Left ideology at a young age.
Nallakannu joined the Communist Party of India (CPI) in the 1940s, when the Communist movement was expanding its base among workers and peasants in the Madras Presidency. The period immediately following Independence was difficult for Communist activists, as the party faced state repression and bans in several regions. Nallakannu was arrested multiple times for his political activities and spent years in prison. These experiences deepened his ideological conviction and strengthened his reputation as a committed cadre who was willing to endure personal hardship for political principles.
Throughout his political life, Nallakannu’s work was closely tied to agrarian struggles. He dedicated decades to organising farmers and agricultural labourers, particularly in southern Tamil Nadu. He advocated for land rights, fair wages, irrigation facilities, and debt relief. His involvement in campaigns related to water management and river disputes reflected his practical approach to politics one grounded in the everyday concerns of rural communities rather than abstract theory alone. His activism consistently focused on improving the material conditions of the poor and marginalised.
In later decades, Nallakannu rose to become the State Secretary of the CPI in Tamil Nadu, serving for several years. At a time when Left parties were facing electoral decline across India, he ensured that the CPI maintained organisational strength and ideological clarity in the state. He supported coalition politics when necessary, aligning with broader secular and democratic forces, but without compromising the party’s core principles. Even political opponents acknowledged his integrity and discipline.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Nallakannu’s public life has been his simplicity. Despite decades in politics, he maintained a modest lifestyle and remained personally unassuming. He was known for his accessibility, soft-spoken nature, and moral consistency. On his 97th birthday in 2022, he donated monetary gifts he received to public and party causes, reinforcing his long-standing reputation as a leader detached from personal wealth or ambition.
Ideologically, Nallakannu has consistently upheld Marxist-Leninist principles within the CPI framework, emphasising secularism, social justice, and federal rights for states within India’s constitutional structure. He has opposed communal politics and supported alliances aimed at preserving democratic values. Over time, he came to be seen not merely as a party functionary but as a moral voice in Tamil Nadu politics. While he may not be remembered for major electoral victories, his legacy lies in his steadfast commitment to farmers, workers, and the oppressed. In an age often marked by political opportunism, Nallakannu remains a symbol of ideological dedication, personal integrity, and public service.
Tomorrow afternoon (26th February, 2026), Nallakannu’s body would be taken in a procession from the party office. After full state honours, the mortal remains of Nallakannu would be handed over to the Madras Medical College for research purposes as per his last wish, CPI state secretary Veerapandian told reporters.
