28-06-2025
M.G.R.'s aide Mahalingam dies at 73
K. Mahalingam, an aide of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and founder of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) M.G. Ramachandran, died on Friday (June 27, 2025) night at a private hospital in Chennai after a brief illness. He was 73, and is survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter.
A native of Manamadurai in Sivaganga district, Mr. Mahalingam was the son of M.S. Gundu Karuppiah, a member of the Tamil theatre troupe led by T.K. Shanmugam. He became M.G.R.'s aide in 1972 and continued in the position till the latter's death in December 1987.
In 2019, Mr. Mahalingam authored a Tamil publication recounting his relationship with the former Chief Minister and key political events during the 15-year period when he served as his aide.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, ADMK Workers' Rights Retrieval Committee coordinator O. Panneerselvam, and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) founder T.T.V. Dhinakaran condoled the death of Mr. Mahalingam.
