Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister R Doraikannu dies of Covid-19

A medical bulletin issued by Kauvery Hospital, where he was admitted since Oct 13 after testing positive for coronavirus, stated: "With deep grief, we announce the sad demise of the Minister at 2315 hrs last night."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family members during this difficult period," it said.

Doraikannu, who was also the Thanjavur North district AIADMK secretary, was thrice elected to the State Assembly from Papanasam constituency in 2006, 2011 and 2016 polls and was made Agriculture Minister for the first time in 2011 by late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit condoled the death of the Minister.

Last evening, the hospital said the Minister had suffered a significant deterioration in vital functions.

On Sunday last, the hospital said Doraikannu had multiple comorbidities. He was put on ECMO and ventilation support.

Doraikannu was admitted to Kauvery Hospital on Oct 13 after he developed breathing problems while proceeding to Salem to pay homage to  Chief Minister Edappadi K.Palaniswami's mother who had passed away in a private hospital.

When his convoy had reached Vikravandi, he complained of chest pain and breathing problems and was admitted to the Villupuram Government Medical College Hospital (VGMCH) at Mundiyambakkam.

After initial treatment, he was shifted to Kauvery hospital here where he was undergoing treatment since then, before succumbing to the virus last night.