Wed Feb 25 10:42:43 UTC 2026: # Veteran CPI Leader R. Nallakannu Passes Away at 101
The Story:
R. Nallakannu, a 101-year-old veteran leader of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and freedom fighter from Tamil Nadu, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 1.55 p.m. IST. He died at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai due to prolonged illness and age-related ailments. Nallakannu was a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu politics, known for his dedication to the CPI and his activism against social injustices, particularly his fight against illegal sand mining.
Key Points:
* R. Nallakannu passed away on February 25, 2026, at the age of 101.
* He was a veteran CPI leader and freedom fighter from Tamil Nadu.
* He remained with the CPI after the Communist movement split in 1964.
* He served as Tamil Nadu State secretary of the CPI for three tenures since 1992.
* He filed a Public Interest Litigation in 2010 against sand mining in the Thamirabarani river basin and personally argued the case in the Madras High Court.
* He was awarded the ‘Thagaisal Thamizhar’ award on August 15, 2022, and donated the cash component of ₹10 lakh to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund.
Key Takeaways:
* The passing of R. Nallakannu marks the end of an era for the Communist movement in Tamil Nadu.
* His long life and career demonstrate a steadfast commitment to communist ideals and social justice.
* Nallakannu’s activism, particularly his legal battle against sand mining, highlights his dedication to environmental protection and public welfare.
First Piper 