CPI secretary Kanam Rajendran passes away at 73

Communist Party of India (CPI) state secretary Kanam Rajendran, 73 died at a private hospital following cardiac arrest on Friday at Amrita hospital.

The veteran leader was undergoing treatment at the hospital for ailments including diabetes. The leader was admitted to the hospital on October 25 with multiple ailments, including an unhealed wound on his leg.

His right foot was recently amputated to contain the spread of an infection due to diabetes. The leader had also applied for three months leave from the party responsibilities due to health reasons.

The news of the unexpected demise of the veteran leader came as a shock for everyone cutting across political parties in the state.

His death comes at a time Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other ministers are taking part in the Nava Kerala outreach programme in this district. The CM and his cabinet colleagues visited the hospital after wrapping up the scheduled programmes and paid their last respects.

Vijayan, in a detailed condolence message, termed Rajendran’s death as “shocking”. “We lost a unifying force of the Left front through the demise of Kanam Rajendran… His contribution to strengthen the communist movement, the unity of the working class, to safeguard the democratic institutions, are priceless,” he said. Recalling him as leader who voiced to uphold the rights of the working class, the CM said he was keen on maintaining the good relationship between the CPI(M) and the CPI.

“He left us at a time when the cooperation of the Left parties is most essential,” he said The CM also said that he, personally, had numerous emotional memories with him in the decades-long political life. He was friend and a comrade, Vijayan added.

His mortal remains will reach Thiruvanathapuram on Saturday morning, followed by public homage at CPI state office. The last rites of the senior politician will be completed on December 10, Sunday in his Vazhoor residence at Kottayam district.