Renuka Devi’s Passing Shocks Tamil Nadu

On the morning of August 19, 2025, Renuka Devi, the wife of DMK Treasurer and Member of Parliament T.R. Balu and mother of Tamil Nadu Industries Minister T.R.P. Raja, passed away at the age of 79. She had been undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital on Greams Road, Chennai, for the past few days due to ill health but succumbed despite medical efforts. Her death has cast a pall of sorrow over the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) community and Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed deep condolences, emphasizing Renuka Devi’s role as a pillar of support for her family’s public service. Her body has been moved to her residence in T. Nagar for public tributes, with her final rites scheduled at Besant Nagar electric crematorium at 5 PM today.

A Life of Strength and Support

Renuka Devi was the backbone of her family, supporting T.R. Balu, a stalwart of the DMK and former Union Minister, through decades of political challenges. Born in 1946, she stood by Balu during turbulent times, including his imprisonment under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) in 1976, where she famously showed their newborn son, T.R.P. Raja, to him from a bridge near Madras Central Prison. Her resilience and dedication also nurtured the political career of her son, T.R.P. Raja, who is currently Tamil Nadu’s Industries Minister. Renuka Devi’s quiet strength and encouragement were instrumental in their success, making her a revered figure in the DMK community.

Her contributions extended beyond her family, as she was respected for her warmth and ability to foster unity among DMK members. Her passing is seen as a significant loss, with party members and leaders mourning the departure of a woman who played a vital role behind the scenes.

M.K. Stalin’s Heartfelt Condolence Message

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin issued a poignant condolence message, reflecting on Renuka Devi’s invaluable contributions. In his statement, he said:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Mrs. Renuka Devi Balu, wife of former Union Minister and Member of Parliament Mr. T.R. Balu and mother of the Honorable Tamil Nadu Industries Minister Mr. T.R.P. Raja. Mrs. Renuka Devi Balu was the one who supported her husband and son in their public life, encouraged their work with her love and warmth, and quietly worked behind their success. The passing of such a great supporter is an irreparable loss. I express my deepest condolences and comfort to my friend Mr. T.R. Balu, my brother Mr. T.R.B. Raja, and their families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones.”

Stalin’s message underscores the profound impact Renuka Devi had on her family and the DMK, highlighting her as a silent force behind their political achievements.

Public Tributes and Final Rites

Following her passing, Renuka Devi’s body was taken to her residence at No. 29, Raman Street, T. Nagar, Chennai, where DMK members, political leaders, and the public gathered to pay their respects. Her final rites are set to take place at the Besant Nagar electric crematorium at 5 PM on August 19, 2025. The outpouring of grief from across Tamil Nadu reflects the deep respect and admiration she earned through her quiet contributions to her family’s public life and the DMK’s legacy.

Renuka Devi’s Role in DMK’s Legacy

Renuka Devi’s life was deeply intertwined with the DMK’s journey. Her husband, T.R. Balu, joined the party in 1957 at the age of 16 and has since served as a six-time Lok Sabha MP and former Union Minister for Environment, Forests, Shipping, and Road Transport. He also chaired the DMK’s Election Manifesto Committee for the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections. Renuka Devi’s unwavering support was crucial to his success. Similarly, her son, T.R.P. Raja, has risen to prominence as the Industries Minister and DMK IT Wing Secretary, benefiting from her encouragement. Her legacy as a supportive wife and mother will continue to inspire the DMK and its members.