In Pictures: Remembering CPI leader R. Nallakannu (1924-2026)
The Hindu
A compilation of images from the life of R. Nallakannu, the 101-year-old veteran CPI leader from Tamil Nadu who passed away in Chennai on February 25, 2026 following prolonged illness and age-related ailments. He had served as the CPI State secretary for three tenures since 1992.
R. Nallakannu, the 101-year-old veteran Communist Party of India (CPI) leader and freedom fighter from Tamil Nadu, passed away at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai at 1.55 p.m. on Wednesday (February 25, 2026) following prolonged illness and age-related ailments.
Fondly known as RNK in party circles, he chose to remain with the Communist Party of India (CPI) when the Communist movement in India split in 1964 following the Indo-China war. He served as Tamil Nadu State secretary of the CPI for three tenures since 1992.
Nallakannu led a tireless campaign against the sand mafia that was illegally mining sand from the Thamirabarani river basin. In 2010, he filed a Public Interest Litigation and personally argued the case in the Madras High Court, securing a stay order against sand mining.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin speaks to veteran CPI leader R. Nallakannu during an event organised to celebrate the latter’s 100th birthday in Chennai on December 29, 2024.
Then CPI state secretary R. Nallakannu collecting election fund from the public at Kodambakkam in Chennai on December 9, 2003.
Then CPI candidate for Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat R. Nallakannu campaigning in Coimbatore in 1999. During the General Election that year, he lost to BJP leader C.P. Radhakrishnan who is now the Vice-President of India
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