Kolkata:

Trinamool Congress MLA Tamonash Ghosh, 60, has died in a hospital in West Bengal. He had tested positive for coronavirus last month.

The three-time MLA from Falta assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district was admitted to hospital after he tested positive for the disease, news agency PTI reported quoting unnamed party sources. He had several pre-complications, they said.

“Very, very sad. Tamonash Ghosh, 3-time MLA from Falta & party treasurer since 1998 had to leave us today. Been with us for over 35 years, he was dedicated to the cause of the people & party. He contributed much through his social work,” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted.

“He has left a void that will be difficult to fill. On behalf of all of us, heartfelt condolences to his wife Jharna, his two daughters, friends and well wishers,” Ms Banerjee said.

Very, very sad. Tamonash Ghosh, 3-time MLA from Falta & party treasurer since 1998 had to leave us today. Been with us for over 35 years, he was dedicated to the cause of the people & party. He contributed much through his social work. (1/2)

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 24, 2020

Ghosh is one of the several people in public life who died amid the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this month, Tamil Nadu politician J Anbazhagan, one of the DMK’s most prominent faces in the state, died in Chennai after battling coronavirus for over a week.

Health researchers who are working to find a vaccine for COVID-19 say elderly people, children and those with complications are at higher risk.

With inputs from PTI