Thiruvananthapuram : CPI(M) Polit Bureau member and former State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has passed away. Under treatment for cancer, the end came at Apollo Hospital in Chennai at 8.30 late evening. He was 68.
The mortal remains will be flown homeward soon. The body will be laid for public homage at Thalassery Town hall whole day long followed by resting or mortal remains at ancestral home of in Madapeedika on 3rd. Then at CPI(M) district committee office from 11 am Monday followed by funeral at 3 pm.
Following illness that prevented from being able to discharge duties, Kodiyeri had moved out of his post as CPI(M) State Secretary on 28th August. Kodiyeri has been elected as party State Secretary for the third time in March this year.
Kodiyeri was epitome of solid leadership that stemmed from the innumerable struggles he led as party State Secretary and Home Minister to state. Confronting all crises with a signature smile, Kodiyeri made his mark with systematic work, upkeeping trust laid by party and public under all circumstances and unwavering commitment to party.
Kodiyeri’s ascend to State Secretary post came at CPI(M) State Conference of 2015 in Alappuzha when Pinarayi Vijayan vacated the post. Later in 2018, he was re-elected to the post a second time. With onset of ailment, Kodiyeri kept away from duties and returned after a hiatus of one year. However, with health condition worsening, Kodiyeri opted out of the post in end of August once again.
Kodiyeri served as CPI(M) Branch and Local Secretary while actively engaged to restore peace to riot-torn Thalasserry in 1971 and went on to become Kannur DyFI Secretary in 1980- 82. He became Kannur District Secretary in 1990 -95. In State Conference of 1988 held in Alappuzha, Kodiyeri became member of CPI(M) State Committee and became State Secretariat member in 1995 and became Central Committee member during Party Congress of 2002. In Party Congress of 2008, Kodiyeri became member of the Polit Bureau.
