Veteran CPI Leader Kanam Rajendran Passes Away at 73

CPI State Secretary Kanam Rajendran, aged 73, has passed away at Amrita Hospital in Kochi. The veteran politician was undergoing treatment for diabetes and had recently undergone a foot amputation surgery. The cause of death was reported as a heart attack that occurred in the evening. Kanam Rajendran had applied for a three-month leave from his responsibilities as the CPI State Secretary due to health issues. Serving as the CPI State Secretary for the last two terms, this would have been his third term. Kanam Rajendran, born on November 10, 1950, in Koottikal, Kottayam, entered politics through student politics in the 1970s and held various prominent positions, including MLA and AITU State General Secretary and President.

Kanam Rajendran’s political journey saw him elected as MLA from Vazhur in 1982 and 1987. His contributions extended beyond legislative roles, as he excelled in organizing trade unions during his tenure as AITUC State General Secretary and President. His influence in youth organizations at the national level was also notable. Despite his significant political career, Kanam Rajendran faced defeat in later elections in Vazhur. The veteran leader is survived by his wife, Vanaja, and two children, Sandeep and Smita. The passing of Kanam Rajendran marks the end of an era in Kerala politics, and his contributions to the communist movement and trade unions will be remembered.