Tributes poured in for industrialist and former MLA, 'Pollachi' Dr N Mahalingam, with DMK, BJP and Congress expressing grief over the three-time MLA's death.
DMK president M Karunanidhi recalled that Mahalingam lived by the ideals of non-violence and honesty, the principles followed by Mahatma Gandhi.
He expressed shock over the industrialist's death and said he had deputed his son and party Treasurer MK Stalin to pay homage to the mortal remains of the former Congress MLA.
He recalled his years-long association with the Gandhian leader, describing him as an affable man and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family.
Expressing grief, TNCC president BS Gnanadesikan said Mahalingam had worked closely with Congress veterans, the late K Kamaraj and C Subramaniam and added his death was an "irreparable loss".
Senior BJP leader and party's National Executive Member, L Ganesan, condoled the industrialist's death and said he had left his impression in many spheres of life, including politics and science. He had been a supporter of interlinking of national rivers, he added.
Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister P Chidambaram and MDMK founder Vaiko paid homage to Mahalingam.
Chairman of the over Rs 5,000-crore Sakthi Group of Companies and Anamallais Bus Transport Ltd (ABT Services), the 91-year-old Mahalingam suddenly collapsed when he was taking part in a lecture here on Thursday. He was declared brought dead at a private hospital later.
