Powered by

Senior CPI(M) leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan dies

Balakrishnan was under treatment for cancer at a Chennai hospital

Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Kodiyeri Balakrishnan

Senior CPI(M) leader and party's former Kerala state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan passed away in Chennai on Saturday night. He was 68.

A member of the CPI(M) politburo, Balakrishnan had been under treatment for cancer at Apollo hospital since August 28. He had also received treatment from the US in 2019.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan postponed his trip to Europe, which was scheduled from Sunday, due to Balakrishnan's critical health condition. 

The veteran leader had served as the minister of home and tourism affairs in the V.S. Achuthanandan government from 2006 to 2011. He represented Thalassery constituency in the State Assembly five times—1982, 1987, 2001, 2006 and 2011.

In March, Balakrishnan was elected party's state secretary for a third consecutive term, but he later stepped down due to ill health.

Born to Kunjunni Kurupp, a lower primary school teacher, and Narayani Amma in Kannur's Kodiyeri village in 1953, Balakrishnan completed his pre-degree from Mahe's Mahatma Gandhi College and degree from University College in Thiruvananthapuram.

He joined politics as an active member of the Kerala Students Federation (KSF)—the predecessor of the Students Federation of India (SFI)—and became a member of the Communist Party in 1970.

He is survived by wife Vinodini, and sons Benoy and Bineesh. 

📣 The Week is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TheWeekmagazine) and stay updated with the latest headlines