Former Pondy assembly Deputy Speaker A V Sreedharan dead

Former Deputy Speaker of Puducherry Assembly and senior Congress leader A V Sreedharan passed away owing to age-related ailments at his residence in Mahe today, government sources said.
Sreedharan (72) who was not keeping good health for past some time is survived by his wife and two sons.
Chief Minister V Narayanasamy told PTI that Sreedharan was a dedicated Congress functionary and a trade unionist in Mahe region, who headed the INTUC in an NTC run textile mills in the region which is an enclave of Puducherry in Kerala.
"Sreedharan was a modest and dedicated parliamentarian and had held the Palloor constituency in Mahe region consecutively for six terms without break since 1985," the Chief Minister said and recalled the laudable social services Sreedharan had rendered for upliftment of the poor and have-nots.

He was the Deputy Speaker of Puducherry Assembly between 2006 and 2011.
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Meanwhile, Puducherry Pradesh Congress Committee
President and PWD Minister of Puducherry A Namassivayam expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the death of A V Sreedharan.
In his condolence message, the PCC leader said that Sreedharan had contributed much for the development of the Congress party and also the welfare of the people through his dedicated services.
Namassivayam also recalled the contributions Sreedharan had made as a trade union leader for the promotion of welfare of the working class.
He said,the party had lost a selfless functionary and dedicated leader of the people.

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Meanwhile, Puducherry government has declared a
three-day mourning as a mark of respect to the departed leader.
A release from the Home Department of Puducherry government said he tricolour would be flown half mast atop government buildings during the period.
All government and official functions have been cancelled during the period, the release said.
The Council of Ministers expressed grief over Sreedharan's demise.
Ministers, Deputy Speaker V P Sivakolundhu and Secretary to the Assembly A Vincent Rayar and legislators of Puducherry will attend the funeral which will be held with state honours tomorrow, official sources said.