February 25, 2026 

Press Release 

CPI Condoles the Demise of Com R Nallakannu 

The National Secretariat of the Communist Party of India issued the following statement today (February 25, 2026) expressing heart-felt condolences at the demise of Comrade R Nallakannu: 

The Communist Party of India National Council expresses its profound grief and deep sense of loss at the passing away of R. Nallakannu, the senior-most Communist leader in the country, a freedom fighter, social reformer, and an enduring moral force in public life. His demise marks the end of an era in the history of India’s freedom struggle and the Communist movement. 

Comrade R. Nallakannu was born on 26 December 1925 in Tiruvaikuntam in the Thoothukudi district of present-day Tamil Nadu. His birth date coincided with the founding day of the Communist Party of India, a convergence that would later be reflected in a life wholly devoted to the Party and its ideals. Coming from a modest agricultural background, he was drawn early to questions of injustice, inequality, and colonial oppression. 

He joined the freedom movement and the Communist movement at a young age and plunged into mass struggles against British rule and feudal exploitation. For his uncompromising political activity, he faced severe repression, with his sentence extending to more than fourteen years, of which he served seven years before his release. Neither imprisonment nor hardship weakened his resolve; instead, they deepened his ideological conviction and commitment to the cause of the oppressed. 

After Independence, Comrade Nallakannu emerged as a mass leader of rare ethical stature. A tireless organiser and committed social reformer, he consistently raised his voice for the rights of workers, peasants, agricultural labourers, and all oppressed sections of society, while firmly upholding secularism, social equality, rationalism, and democratic values. He served with distinction as Secretary of the CPI Tamil Nadu State Council, providing principled leadership rooted in Marxist ideology, inner-party democracy, and sustained mass struggles. He also served the Party as member of the National Executive and as Chairman of the Central Control Commission. 

Admired across the political and social spectrum, Comrade Nallakannu was universally respected for his simplicity, integrity, and incorruptible public life. He lived with austerity and dignity, shunned privilege, and remained deeply connected to the people throughout his life. Even in his advanced years, his clarity of thought, moral firmness, and quiet compassion continued to inspire generations of Communists and all those committed to democratic and progressive values. 

In recognition of his immense contribution to public life, social reform, and the cultural and political ethos of Tamil Nadu, he received several honours, including the Thagaisal Tamizhar (Distinguished Tamil) Award, an acknowledgement of a life devoted to justice, reform, and the upliftment of society. 

Comrade R. Nallakannu was married to Ranjitham Ammal, a retired school headmistress, who passed away in 2016. He is survived by his two daughters. The CPI National Council conveys its heartfelt condolences to his family, comrades, and innumerable admirers across the country. 

We lower our red flag in solemn salute to a great freedom fighter, Communist, and humanist. Comrade R. Nallakannu’s life stands as a shining example of ethical politics and selfless service, and his legacy will continue to guide and strengthen our struggle for a secular, democratic, and socialist India.

Sd/- 

(Roykutty) 

Office Secretary 

Communist Party of India

Central Office

New Delhi

Tele: 011 23235546

e-mail: cpiofindia@gmail.com