Senior CPI(M) leader T K Ramakrishnan dead

Kochi, Apr 21: Senior CPI(M) leader and former Kerala minister T K Ramakrishnan died at a private hospital here today.

He was 83.

He is survived by three daughters and a son party sources said.

Mr Ramakrishnan, a former CPI (M) state committee member, and a minister in LDF governments in 1980, '87 and '96, was admitted to the Lakeshore hospital here on March 30 after complaining of cardiac and renal problems. He died at about 1300 hrs today, the sources said.

Born in 1922, Mr Ramakrishnan started his political career early joining the students' movement. After joining the Communist party, he rose among its ranks.

Mr Ramakrishnan was elected to the state assembly nine times and served as state minister for Home, Co-operation and Culture.

He was the Opposition leader in the state Assembly from 1977 to 1980 and the LDF convenor in 1987.

His body will be taken to his home town in Eroor. The cremation will take place tomorrow morning, the sources said.

UNI