DMK MLA from Pennagaram, P N Periannan (54), passed away at a corporate hospital here on Tuesday following prolonged illness.
DMK sources said the legislator was admitted to the hospital a few days back and breathed his last this morning.
He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.
The last rites are expected to be held in his native Dharmapuri district on Wednesday.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin and other senior DMK leaders paid homage to Periannan here. Karunanidhi expressed shock over the MLA’s demise.
With the death of Periannan, the DMK’s strength in the 234 member Assembly has come down to 96.
Early last month, DMK MLA from Vandavasi, S C Jayaraman had died of cancer in Chennai, which necessitated bypolls for the constituency on December 19, along with Tiruchendur following the resignation of former AIADMK MLA, Anitha R Radhakrishnan.
Meanwhile, the DMK announced that they have postponed all party related events and functions for three days, starting today.
