THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM leader and CITU state president Anathalavattom Anandan (86) becomes a memory. The dead body was cremated at Thiruvananthapuram Santhi Kavadam with official honours. The body was kept for public viewing at AKG center and CITU office on Manjalikkulam road. Many people came to pay homage to Anathalavattom Anandan.

Anathalavattom Anandan passed away at 5.10 pm yesterday. He was the National Vice President of CITU when he died. Suffering from cancer, he was undergoing treatment at the multi-specialty hospital of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College for two weeks.

He was a leader who fought from the frontline in organizing the coir workers of Travancore and was the present President of the Coir Workers Centre. He became a member of the Legislative Assembly three times from Attingal. Anathalavattom Anandan was the Chief Whip of Govt during 2006 - 2011 V.S. government. Anathalavattom, who was excluded from the state secretariat due to the age limit requirement at the CPM Kochi state conference, was an invitee in the state committee. He joined the Communist Party in 1956 while still a school student.

Anathalavattom was the President of Chirayinkeezhu Grama Panchayat from 1979 to 1984. Anandan, who was on the run for a year during the emergency, was declared a fugitive and was arrested in November 1976. He was detained until the state of emergency was lifted.

Anathalavattom Anandan was born on April 22, 1937 to late V Krishnan and Naniamma at Anathalavattam in Thiruvananthapuram district. Wife: Laila, Sons: Jeeva Anandan (CEO, Kinfra Apparel Park) and Mahesh Anandan (London). In-laws: Manju Mohanan (Muttathara College of Engineering) and Kelly Jane Mitchell (London).