Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, senior CPI(M) leader and ex-Kerala Minister, dies aged 70

Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, who served as the CPI(M)'s Kerala secretary from 2015 to 2022, had been undergoing treatment for cancer.

Thiruvananthapuram: CPI (M) senior leader and former Kerala Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, known for his organisational calibre and Parliamentary expertise, died at Apollo Hospital in Chennai on Saturday, party leaders said. He was 70. He had been undergoing treatment for cancer for some time, they said.

Considered the second strongest leader in the Kerala CPI(M) after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan these days, Balakrishnan was a politburo member of the Left party, who had served as the CPI(M)'s State secretary from 2015 to 2022.

A multiple-time MLA, he also served as the Minister of Home and Tourism Affairs in the V S Achuthanandan Ministry during 2006-2011.

Due to failing health, he stepped down as the party's State secretary in August after being elected for the third consecutive term to the top organisational post early this year.

Known for his no-nonsense attitude, diplomatic skills and decision-making capabilities, Balakrishnan had been a crisis manager for the party during turbulent times.

Kodiyeri Balakrishnan was known for his no-nonsense attitude

Amid his stern and tough-faced colleagues including Vijayan, Balakrishnan set a difference with his liberal views, pragmatic approaches and above all a smiling face which earned him the epithet "smiling Communist."

Long Live Com Kodiyeri Balakrishnan

It is with deep grief and sorrow that we give the news of the passing away of Veteran communist Comrade Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Polit Bureau member of the CPI(M) and former Secretary of Kerala State Committee. We dip the red flag in homage. pic.twitter.com/EcNw5aubpp — CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) October 1, 2022

Born to a humble family of a primary school teacher at Thalassery in the politically volatile Kannur district on November 16, 1953, he began his political career through students' politics and became the State secretary of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) at the age of 20.

He served as the national joint secretary of SFI and district secretary of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and led the party's student and youth outfits in a commendable way braving the attacks of the political opponents and police assault during the Emergency.

Making his way into mainstream politics, he served as the Kannur district secretary of the Marxist party for five years from 1990.

In the later decades, Balakrishnan rose to various party ranks including as a member of the State committee, the State secretariat, central committee and finally a polit buro member in the Party Congress held in Coimbatore in 2008.

Kodiyeri Balakrishnan was elected to Kerala Assembly five times

The leader proved his mettle as a parliamentarian while elected to the State Assembly for five times-1982, 1987, 2001, 2006 and 2011.

During his tenure as Home Minister from 2006-11 that the much aclaimed "janamaithri police" programme, a path-breaking initiative aimed to bridge the gap between the law enforcers and public, was implemented in the southern State.

He also proved his leadership and diplomatic skills while serving as a deputy opposition leader in the State Assembly in various years.

Participation in mass agitations and meticulous organisation of party programmes helped Balakrishnan earn a mass support base in the party.

He is survived by his wife S R Vinodini and two sons.

CPI (M) State secretary M V Govindan told reporters in Chennai that the mortal remains of Balakrishnan would be taken to his home district Kannur in an air ambulance on Sunday.

The cremation would be held at Payyambalam beach on Monday, the party leaders said.

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