Former Tamil Nadu BJP MP Master Mathan dead

A noted leader of the backward Badaga community, who are natives of the Nilgiris district, Mathan is survived by wife, two sons and a daughter.

He was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1998 from the Nilgiris constituency and reelected in 1999 from the same segment.

A former Tamil Nadu BJP vice-president, he has served as a member of Parliamentary committees including one on agriculture.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was pained by the demise of Master Mathan.

In a post on X, Modi said: “He will be remembered for his efforts to serve society and work for the downtrodden. He also played a commendable role in strengthening our party in Tamil Nadu. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.”

BJP president J P Nadda said: “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of former BJP MP Thiru Master Mathan Ji. He dedicated his life to the betterment of society and the upliftment of the underprivileged. His contributions to strengthening the party’s roots and ideology in Tamil Nadu will always be remembered. His demise is an irreparable loss to the party. My deepest condolences go out to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.”

Conveying his condolences to Master Mathan’s family and friends, Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai said his passing is a big loss to the party. Mathan worked hard and he was a model for the young people, he said.