How did Kodiyeri Balakrishnan die?
We have sad news to bring to you. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan passed away at the age of 69. He was the Senior CPI(M) leader and former Kerala Home Minister. According to party sources, he died at Apollo Hospital in Chennai on Saturday night. He had been undergoing cancer treatment for some time. He was a politburo member of the Marxist party and served as the CPI(M) state secretary from 2015 to 2022. He a multiple-time MLA and has served as the Minister of Home and Tourism Affairs in the VS Achuthanandan ministry from 2006 to 2011.
Due to his illness and failing health, he stepped down as the party state secretary in August this year. A N Shamseer, the Kerala Assembly Speaker, shared a photo of the departed leader in his Facebook post and quoted that the leader had gone from our sight but will never go from our hearts.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had postponed his trip to Europe earlier in the day due to Balakrishnan’s critical health condition. The trip was scheduled to start on Sunday. Balakrishnan was known for his organizational caliber and Parliamentary expertise. He was considered the second most decisive leader in the Kerala CPI(M) after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He was known for his no-nonsense attitude, diplomatic skills, and decision-making capabilities. He had been the crisis manager for the party during turbulent times. He had set a difference with his liberal views, pragmatic approaches, and smiling face, which had earned him the epithet “smiling Communist.”
He was born to a humble family of a primary school teacher at Thalasseri in the politically volatile Kannur district on November 16, 1953. He began his political career through student politics and became the State secretary of the Student’s Federation of India at age 20. He had served as the National Joint Secretary of SFI and the district secretary of the Democratic Youth Federation of India.
He also led the party’s student and youth outfits in a commendable way braving the attacks of political opponents and police assaults during emergencies. May his soul rest in peace.
Featured Image Credit: Hindustan Times
