MDR Ramachandran, a senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Puducherry, passed away on Sunday evening at the age of 90 due to health issues.
Meanwhile, Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy announced a three-day mourning period for the former Chief Minister and mentioned that his funeral will be held with full state honors.
"I would like to inform you that the Puducherry government will observe three days of mourning for the former Chief Minister and his last rites will be performed with full state honours," Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy said.
Meanwhile, Puducherry PCC president and Lok Sabha member V Vaithilingam expressed deep sorrow and grief over the demise of Ramachandran.
Vaithilingam told PTI that Ramachandran dedicated his life to serving the people and was committed to promoting the welfare of the poor. He actively participated in various movements. His death is a loss to the Congress, Vaithilingam said, and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.
Who was M.D. Ramachandran?
M.D. Ramachandran (MDR) was a prominent political figure and the former Chief Minister of Puducherry, serving from 1973 to 1978. Born in 1918, he played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry). As a member of the Indian National Congress, MDR was known for his commitment to the welfare of the people of Puducherry, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
In 2000, he left the DMK and joined the Congress. He served as the Speaker of the Puducherry Assembly from June 11, 2001, to May 26, 2006, and also held the position of vice-president of the Puducherry Pradesh Congress Committee.
During his tenure as Chief Minister, MDR worked on various developmental projects, aiming to modernize the region. He focused on improving the quality of life for the residents, boosting agricultural output, and introducing progressive policies to uplift the economically disadvantaged sections of society.
MDR was also known for his effective leadership and his ability to manage the delicate political environment of the Union Territory. His policies and governance left a lasting impact on Puducherry’s growth, especially in terms of social welfare programs and public service improvements.
He was also respected for his integrity and foresight in governance, earning a place of reverence in Puducherry's political history. MDR's legacy continues to be remembered for his contributions to the development of the region during a critical phase in its history.