T K Ramakrishnan cremated with state honours

Kochi, Apr 22 : Veteran CPI(M) leader and former Kerala minister T K Ramakrishnan (84), who died here yesterday, was cremated with full state honours at his native town of Thrippunithura, near here, today.

Thousands of party workers and people from all walks of life paid last respects to Mr Ramakrishan who died at a private hospital here following cardiac and renal complications.

His body, draped in party flag was brought in a procession from his home in Eroor to the Azad ground, where it was consigned to flames.

The funeral was attended by CPI(M) state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly V S Achuthanandan, party Politburo member E Balanandan and other leaders. Senior leaders and functionaries from other political parties also paid tributes.

Elected nine time to the state Assembly, Mr Ramakrishnan had served as Home Minister, Cultural Affairs Minister and Fisheries Minister. He was also the Opposition Leader in the state Assembly during 1977-1980 and Left Democratic Front (LDF) Convenor in 1987.

The state government has declared a holiday today for all departments he had handled as a minister.

UNI