Chennai, Apr 6 (Reporter) A 71-year-old ruling DMK MLA passed away at a Government hospital on Saturday after a brief illness. The MLA, N.Pugazhenthi, elected to the Tamil Nadu Assembly from the Vikravandi constituency in Villuppuram district, died at the Government Villupuram Medical College and Hospital (GVMCH) in Mundiyambakkam, where he was admitted for treatment. Mr. Pugazhenthi, who was the South district secretary of the DMK, was survived by his wife, son and three daughters. Mr. Pugazhenthi was earlier admitted to a private hospital in Chennai a few days ago, after he complained of health-related issues and was discharged on Friday. After being discharged, he attended an election campaign meeting addressed by Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin at Vikravandi. However, his health condition worsened on Friday night, and was admitted to the ICU at the GVMCH where he breathed his last today. A native of Athiyur Thiruvadi near Sankarapuram, Mr. Pugazhenthi started his political career in 1973, and had served in various positions in the DMK’s Villupuram district unit. He was a member of the DMK for more than five decades and had served the district unit of the party in various capacities. He lost the 2019 bye-election to the Vikravandi Assembly seat to his AIADMK rival. But he wrested the seat from AIADMK in the 2021 Assembly polls. Tamil Nadu Governor R.N.Ravi and Mr Stalin condoled his death. In his message, Mr Ravi said "deeply saddened on passing away of Mr Pughazhenthi, Member of Legislative Assembly from Vikravandi". His contributions in public life will always be remembered, the Governor said. "My heartfelt condolences to his grieving family. Om Shanti!", he added. Mr Stalin, in a condolence message, said he was shocked and pained over the death of Mr. Pugazhenthi . Despite his health issues, Mr. Pugazhenthi had been involved in election work to ensure the victory of DMK, he said. “Mr. Pugazhenthi came to participate in my election campaign meeting on Friday and complained of dizziness. He was taken to the hospital. I also spoke to the doctors and asked them to take care of his health", Mr Stalin said. "We were hoping that he will recover and come back. But the news of his death has caused deep anguish and pain,” he said. He said Mr. Pugazhenthi’s death was a great loss not only to the people of Vikravandi constituency and Villupuram district, but also for the DMK and offered his heartfelt condolences. to his family and friends as well as party cadres...////...