H. Vasanthkumar, 70, dies of COVID-19; first sitting MP to succumb to illness

H. Vasanthakumar, Congress MP, from Kanyakumari constituency in Tamil Nadu, died at Apollo Hospital, Chennai, on Friday (August 28). He was 70.

He was admitted to the hospital on August 11 with symptoms of COVID-19. Subsequent tests confirmed that he had contracted COVID.  Vasanthakumar, who is also an entrepreneur and runs the Vasanth & Co. enterprises, is the first sitting MP to die of COVID-19 in the country.

His wife, Tamil Selvi, was also undergoing treatment for COVID.

Related news: The story of Vasanthakumar: a driven, resourceful, self-made entrepreneur

Vasanthakumar was Member of the Legislative Assembly twice in the past and also held the post of working president of the Tamil Nadu State Congress Committee (TNCC).

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted his condolence. He said: “All of us, along with lakhs of supporters, will always miss him.”