IDUKKI: Senior CPI leader and former deputy speaker C A Kurien(88) is dead. He passed away while undergoing treatment for various ailments caused by old age.

He was a three-time MLA from Peerumedu. He has also worked as the chief of AITUC. His functioning area was centered around the plantation sector and Munnar. He belongs to Puthupally, Kottayam.

He reached the Legislative assembly representing Peerumedu in 1977, 1980, and 1996. He became deputy speaker in 1996. He had also functioned as a member of the CPI state executive, state secretary of AITUC, General secretary of All India Planters Workers Federation.