TRICHY: A 37-year-old AIADMK functionary from Thanjavur district died by suicide on Sunday night by immolating himself, driven by frustration over internal party conflicts and the party's defeat in the recent assembly election. The deceased, identified as K Mahendiran, was a loyalist of party general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami and served as joint secretary of the AIADMK's Thanjavur East district traders' wing.
Details of the Incident
Mahendiran, a resident of Thiruppanandal in Thanjavur district, ran a flower shop. In a video posted on his Facebook profile before his death, he urged AIADMK cadres and functionaries to stand united for the return of a Palaniswami-led government. Sources said Mahendiran had been increasingly frustrated over the past few weeks due to party developments, with many functionaries leaving after the electoral defeat. On Sunday night, around 9 pm, he poured petrol over himself and set himself ablaze at Palur village near Thiruppanandal. In his Facebook post, he requested Palaniswami to pay homage to his body.
Party Leader's Response
On Monday, Palaniswami traveled to Thiruppanandal along with senior party leaders including OS Manian and S Kamaraj to pay floral tributes and console the family. Palaniswami announced a financial support of Rs 55 lakh for the family, comprising Rs 35 lakh from the party headquarters and Rs 20 lakh from the Thanjavur district unit. He urged cadres not to take such extreme steps and assured that the party would take care of Mahendiran's family, including bearing the education expenses of his one-year-old daughter until she completes higher education.
