The president of Tamilaga Vivasayigal Sangham, M.R. Sivasamy, died today after prolonged illness. He was 83 and survived by his wife.

According to his family, the end came at his house in Mattampalayam, some 30 kms from here.

Sivasamy was in the forefront of various agitations for the cause of farmers, particularly WTO and Free Trade Agreements. He had also strongly opposed to BT technology.

The body has been kept at his residence for the public to pay homage and the last rites will be performed tomorrow evening.