Anbazhagan passes away on his birthday, 1st MLA to die of virus

Anbazhagan passes away on his birthday, 1st MLA to die of virus

Govardan.D@timesgroup.com

Chennai:11.06.2020

DMK MLA J Anbazhagan, who passed away on his 62nd birthday at a hospital here on Wednesday, became the first legislator in the country to die of Covid-19. The Chepauk constituency member was admitted to a private hospital on June 2 after he complained of breathing difficulties. He later tested positive for Covid-19. His mortal remains were laid to rest at Kannammapet burial ground in the city.

A three-time MLA, Anbazhagan was DMK’s Chennai west district secretary. A bold loyalist of the party and its leadership, Anbazhagan always spoke his mind. If his speeches within the party forum reflected the thoughts of party workers, his oration in the state assembly rattled ruling benches.

“His condition deteriorated rapidly on Tuesday night. We could not bring him back,” said a senior doctor of Dr Rela Institute and Medical Centre in Chromepet. Doctors said his condition remained critical throughout his stay. “He was on ventilator. At one point, he required lesser oxygen, and we thought he was responding well. But he had too many comorbidities,” said a doctor. “During the first phase of lockdown, for 20 days he remained at home and even advised others to stay in their homes,” said J Karunanidhi, Anbazhagan’s brother and a former DMK councillor of Chennai Corporation.

DMK MLA J Anbazhagan’s mortal remains being buried in Chennai on Wednesday