Chennai, June 2:
In a tragic incident, a senior functionary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) ended his life in Thanjavur district, reportedly unable to cope with the party’s defeat in the recent Assembly elections.
The deceased, K.S. Mahendran, popularly known as ‘Pookadai’ Mahendran, served as the Thanjavur East District Traders’ Wing Joint Secretary. Police sources said he had been under severe mental stress in the days following the poll results.
Mahendran allegedly consumed poison on Sunday evening and left behind a social media message expressing his final wish that party leadership pay tribute to him.
Honouring his request, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami visited his residence on Monday and paid his last respects. Speaking to reporters, he urged party cadres not to take extreme steps, noting that the party had faced setbacks in the past and would overcome them.
He also announced financial assistance of ₹55 lakh to the bereaved family — ₹30 lakh as a welfare fund and ₹25 lakh from the district unit. Additionally, the party will bear the full educational expenses of Mahendran’s one-year-old daughter, from schooling through higher education.