Congress MP from Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari, H Vasanthakumar succumbed to Covid-19 disease on Friday .

The first time MP from Tamil Nadu, Vasanthakumar was being treated at the Greams Road facility of the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai. He was admitted to the hospital on August 10 and was in critical condition after contracting severe Covid-19 pneumonia.

Mourning the 70-year-old leader’s demise, Prime Minister Modi tweeted, “During my interactions with him, I always saw his passion towards Tamil Nadu’s progress. Condolences to his family and supporters.”

Saddened by the demise of Lok Sabha MP Shri H. Vasanthakumar Ji. His strides in business and social service efforts were noteworthy. During my interactions with him, I always saw his passion towards Tamil Nadu’s progress. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/SmuAK8ufAx

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 28, 2020

“Sad to know the passing of Shri H. Vasanthakumar, MP from Kanyakumari. An entrepreneur and social activist, he earned his name in the world of politics and business. His devotion to people’s cause in Tamil Nadu was inspiring. Condolences to his family, friends and followers, ” said President Ram Nath Kovind on Twitter.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed his condolences.

The news of Kanyakumari MP, Shri H Vasanthakumar’s untimely demise due to Covid-19 has come as a shock.

His commitment to the congress ideology of serving the people will remain in our hearts forever.

Heartfelt condolences to his friends and family members. pic.twitter.com/oqhrfQXEUD

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 28, 2020

Recalling his close association with the leader, state chief minister V Narayanasamy said, “the TNCC (Tamil Nadu Congress Committee) has lost a great and dedicated leader.”

Vasanthakumar was a hard working entrepreneur who contributed a lot to the Congress, the chief minister also said.

Vasanthakumar was a two-time MLA and elected to the Lok Sabha in the 2019 elections.