'Giant Killer' who defeated VS Achuthanandan in Mararikulam; Former MLA PJ Francis passes away

ALAPPUZHA: Congress leader and former MLA Adv PJ Francis (88) passed away. He was staying at the house Pallikathayil in Alappuzha Convent Square. He passed away at night at home while undergoing treatment. Francis came to prominence when he defeated VS Achuthanandan in Mararikulam in the 1996 assembly elections. He won by 1965 votes. Before that, he contested against KR Gouriamma twice in Aroor but lost. PJ Francis, who was a confidant of AK Antony, distanced himself from the party in his last days.

He also served as Alappuzha DCC Vice President, KPCC member, Alappuzha Municipality Opposition Leader, and Alappuzha Bar Association President.

Wife: Prof. Mariamma Francis (St. Joseph's College, Alappuzha). Children: Jose P. Francis (Kuwait), Rose P. Francis (Sharjah), Tony Francis (Bangalore), Reena Francis (Bangalore). Daughter-in-law: Binitha Jose, Reena Tony, Maria Varghese.

The funeral will be held on Friday at 3 pm at Mount Carmel Cathedral Church, Alappuzha.