82-year old Edmund was undergoing treatment for respiratory and heart problems at a hospital here and died today, party sources said.
A three-time MLA, he was the Food Minister in the M G Ramachandran cabinet and had also been the Deputy Speaker of the state Assembly and Tamil Nadu Government's Representative in New Delhi.
He was elected twice to the Assembly from Tiruchendur and once from Tirunelveli constituencies.
Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa condoled the death of Edmund.
"I extend my condolences to the bereaved family members. I wish that his soul rests in peace," she said in a statement in Chennai.