New Delhi, April 9, 2025 – Political leaders across party lines have expressed their condolences following the death of Kumari Ananthan, former president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) and a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu’s political and literary circles. Ananthan, who passed away on Wednesday, was remembered for his lifelong contributions to Tamil language, culture, and public service.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Ananthan, praising his dedication to Tamil Nadu’s progress and his efforts to promote Tamil culture. “He will be remembered for his noteworthy service to society and his passion for Tamil Nadu’s advancement,” Modi said in a statement. “Pained by his passing. Condolences to his family and admirers,” he added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his sorrow, describing Ananthan as a noted literary figure who contributed significantly to Tamil language and culture. Shah further conveyed his condolences to Ananthan’s daughter, Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, a prominent BJP leader.
The Congress party, where Ananthan spent much of his political career, also mourned his passing. Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, called Ananthan a “true champion of the Tamil people, language, and culture.” Gandhi highlighted Ananthan’s pivotal role in securing the right to speak Tamil in the Indian Parliament, calling it a legacy that would endure.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge similarly lauded Ananthan’s efforts to bring the Tamil language to the national stage, calling him a “dedicated public servant” who will be remembered for his advocacy and service to both his party and the Tamil people.
Condolences poured in from political leaders in Tamil Nadu as well. Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and general secretary of the AIADMK, expressed his sorrow, calling Ananthan a “prominent literary figure” and extended condolences to his family. K. Selvaperunthagai, President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, remembered Ananthan as a “pillar of the party,” recalling his relentless efforts, including undertaking 17 padayatras across Tamil Nadu to address various political demands.
Leaders from other political parties also paid tribute. Vaiko, General Secretary of the MDMK, described Ananthan as a multi-faceted personality and a dedicated Tamil orator and thinker. S. Ramadoss, founder of the PMK, recalled Ananthan’s role in advocating for flight announcements in Tamil and his work on the prohibition movement.
Ananthan’s contributions to Tamil Nadu were not limited to politics. His advocacy for the Tamil language and culture, as well as his efforts for social reform, earned him respect across party lines. He is remembered for his advocacy for Tamil in Parliament, his fight for prohibition, and his involvement in campaigns such as river-linking and the creation of a temple for Bharat Mata.
In Puducherry, leaders also joined in mourning Ananthan’s loss. Chief Minister N. Rangasamy described Ananthan as a “true patriot” and a passionate advocate for Tamil culture, while former Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy recalled Ananthan’s deep ties to the Congress Party and his involvement in national issues. Kumari Ananthan’s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Tamil Nadu’s political and cultural history, and his legacy continues to resonate across political and social spheres.
