Thiruvananthapuram, May 25: KPCC general secretary and former state minister P K Velayudhan died here this evening. Velayudhan (57) complained of chest pain and died before he reached the medical college hospital, hospital sources said.

He is survived by wife and two children.

He had served as minister for rural development and transport in the 1982-87 K Karunakaran ministry.

Velayudhan, who headed pro-Congress Dalit outfits and trusts, was elected to the Kerala assembly from Pandalam in 1980 and from Njarakkal in 1982.

He had also served as the state president of the Bharatiya Depressed Class League.

A keen sports enthusiast and athlete, Velayudhan was part of the Calicut university team in the Inter-University Athletic Meet held in Jabalpur in 1969.

Bureau Report