Chennai, Dec 14 (Reporter) Senior Congress leader and Erode East Legislator EVKS Elangovan died at a private hospital here a prolonged illness on Saturday. He was 76. Mr Elangovan, who is also a former Union Minister and former TNCC President, was admitted to a private hospital on November 13 for respiratory and cardiac problems. He breathed his last on Saturday. The former MP of the Congress party, who is also the grandson of social reformer and Rationalist leader Periyar E V Ramasamy, had lost his son Thiru Mahan E.Ve.Raa, who died last year. Thiru Mahan had successfully made his electoral debut from Erode East Assembly segment and won the 2021 polls on Congress ticket and as an ally of the DMK. As his death necessitated the bye-election, the DMK allotted the seat to the Congress since it was held by it and Mr Elangovan was given the ticket. He contested the bypoll, won it by a big margin and became a Legislator. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M K Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, DMK Ministers, Congress leaders, including TNCC President K Selvaperunthagai and leaders of various political parties paid their last respects to the mortal remains of Mr Elangovan at the hospital. Senior Congress Leader and MP Rahul Gandhi condoled his death. In a post on X, he said "saddened by the passing of Thiru EVKS Elangovan, former Union Minister and former TNPCC President.". "My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones", he said. "A fearless and principled leader, he was a staunch advocate for the Congress Party’s values and Thanthai Periyar’s ideals. His dedicated service to Tamil Nadu will forever remain an inspiration", Rahul wrote. Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, Mr Stalin and leaders of various parties also condoled the death of Mr Elangovan. Mr Ravi said "Deeply saddened by the passing of Thiru. EVKS Elangovan, a devoted Member of the Legislative Assembly from Erode (East). His contributions to the society and welfare of the people will always be remembered." "My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and followers. Om Shanti!", he said. Mr Stalin, in his condolence message, said he was deeply saddened by the passing away of Mr Elangovan. Recalling his contributions as an Union Minister, Congress leader and as TNCC President, Mr Stalin said his death was a big loss to the Congress party and offered his deepest condolences to his family members and the members of Congress and the people of Erode East constituency. Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam Founder and actor Vijay also condoled his death. "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of EVKS Elangovan, a member of the family of Thanthai Periyar, former President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, senior leader of the Congress Party, former Union Minister of State for Textiles and present Erode East MLA, due to ill health." "I express my deepest condolences to his bereaved family and the Congress party. I pray to God that the soul of EVKS Elangovan may rest in peace", he said. Leaders of various political parties, including AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami, PMK Founder Dr.S.Ramadoss, PMK President Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, MDMK General Secretary Vaiko and BJP Leader also condoled the death of Mr Elangovan...////...