Kochi: Senior CPM leader and former CPM Kerala state secretary, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, was cremated with full State honour at Payyambalam beach in Thalasserry in Kannur district in North Kerala today.
The 69-year-old Balakrishnan, who was battling with cancer, passed away at a private hospital in Chennai on October 1. The body was kept at his native Thalasserry town hall yesterday and CPM district committee office today for the people to pay their homage.
Kerala Governor Arif Muhammad Khan, Opposition leader VD Satheesan, Kerala Congress chief chief K Sudhakaran paid their last respect. The body was taken to Payyambalam beach in a procession with thousands accompanying the vehicle carrying the body shouting slogans.
Large number of people waited on the roadside to pay their homage. Only the family members and 12 chosen leaders were allowed to go close to the pyre. His body was laid to rest close to former Chief Minister E K Nayanar. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CPM national General Secretary Sitaram Yechury and other senior leaders carried his body on their shoulders to the pyre which was lit by two of his sons.
Kodiyeri was taken to Chennai on August 29 after his health deteriorated. Born on November 16, 1953, in Kodiyeri village in Thalassery, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan started his political activities through left students’ outfits Students Federation and Students’ Federation of India.
He became DYFI district head of Kannur
Kodiyeri assumed office as the Kannur District in 1980. He was elected to the assembly from Thalassery during 1982 to 1991 and from 2001 to 2016.
Kodiyeri was Home Minister in Achuthanandan Ministry in 2006. He became CPM state secretary in 2015 and took a break in between and again returned to the post before vacating the position due to health issues a few days back. He is survived by wife Vinodini and sons Binoy Kodiyeri and Bineesh Kodiyeri.
Photo Credit: Facebook
