CPI State Secretary Kanam Rajendran passes away

KOCHI: CPI State Secretary Kanam Rajendran (73) passed away. The death happened at Amrita Hospital, Kochi. He was undergoing diabetes treatment. He had undergone a foot amputation surgery as part of the treatment. The cause of death was a heart attack that occurred this evening.

Kanam Rajendran had applied for three months’ leave from the responsibilities of the CPI State Secretary position. He was continuing as the CPI state secretary for the last two terms and this was his third term. Kanam had cited health issues as the reason, in the leave application submitted before the party central committee. He had also recommended Binoy Viswam to be in charge during his period of absence.

Kanam Rajendran had served as CPI State Secretary, AITU State General Secretary and President. He was elected as MLA twice. Kanam was born on November 10, 1950 at Koottikal in Kottayam district and entered politics through student politics in the 70s. At the age of 23, he became the AIYF State Secretary and a member of the CPI state secretariat at the age of 28. He also worked with AB Bardhan at the national level in the field of youth organization.

Kanam Rajendran became MLA from Vazhur in 1982 and 1987. As an outstanding legislator, he was the center of attention of entire political Kerala once. However, he lost in Vazhur in the later elections. He also proved to be a unique organizer in the field of trade unions during his period as AITUC State General Secretary and President. His wife is Vanaja. Children: Sandeep and Smita.