H Vasanthakumar, the Congress MP of Kanyakumari, is no more. The 70-year-old businessman-cum-politician, who used to describe himself as a social worker, on Friday succumbed to COVID-19. After the old man contracted the virus earlier this month, he was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Chennai.

The founder of an appliance manufacturing giant was put on ECMO and ventilator during the treatment.

Mourning his demise, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala tweeted, "Deeply saddened at the untimely demise of a born fighter, resolute Congressman, M.P & Working President of TNCC - Sh. H. Vasanthakumar. All of us, along with lakhs of his supporters, will always miss him deeply. Heartfelt condolences to family & well wishers. RIP."

Karti Chidambaram, the Sivaganga MP, tweeted, "You will be missed #Vasanthakumar. I have so many fond memories with him. He was an elder colleague and a good friend."