K Maya Thevar, AIADMK's first MP, dies

K Maya Thevar, who was handpicked by late chief minister M G Ramachandran for AIADMK’s maiden election in 1973 and was the first MP of the party, died at his native Chinnalapatti in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday. He was 87.
Maya Thevar’s family sources said he had not been well for the past several days. He died due to a cardiac arrest.
Former chief ministers Edappadi K Palaniswami, O Panneerselvam and AMMK leader T T V Dhinakaran expressed their condolence.“He was the first candidate to contest in the two leaves symbol within a short period after thhe AIADMK was formed and went on to win a huge victory,’’ recalled EPS.
In his condolence message, OPS credited Maya Thevar for identifying and choosing the ‘two leaves’ symbol for the party. An advocate-turned-politician, Maya Thevar had also argued cases on behalf of the AIADMK. After the massive victory in 1973 by polls for Dindigul parliamentary constituency, he went on to win in a few more elections.