MDMK founder Vaiko's mother Mariammal passes away

Mariammal (96) was admitted to a hospital in Tirunelveli where she breathed her last, they said, adding her final rites are expected to be held tomorrow in Vaiko's native Kalingapatti village in Tirunelveli district. DMK, BJP, TMC among others condoled Mariammal's death. DMK President M Karunandhi recalled the warm reception accorded to him by Mariammal when he had visited Vaiko's Kalingapatti residence years back.

"Like my mother, Vaiko's mother had also understood his political activities and was supportive of him and often gave him inputs," he said in a statement and expressed his sympathies with the bereaved family members. BJP's state unit President Tamizhisai Sounderrajan expressed shock over Mariammal's death. She recalled Mariammal's love and affection for her and said she was a "motivating factor" for women in the locality.

TMC leader G K Vasan said Mariammal solidly stood by Vaiko and was helpful to the MDMK leader even in her old age. PMK founder S Ramadoss, Naam Tamizhar leader Seeman and founder of Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi, T Velmurugan also condoled Mariammal's death.