Governor, CM condole Chacko's death

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 13 (UNI) Kerala Governor R L Bhatia, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan and his cabinet colleagues and others today condoled the death of Communist party of India (Marxist) leader Mathai Chacko, who died this morning at Ernakulam.

In his condolence message, Mr Bhatia said ''I am deeply saddened at the demise of Mathai Chacko. I convey my heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family.'' Mr Achuthanandan said Chacko had always raised the issues affecting the commonman in the Assembly. In his message, the Chief Minister said Chacko had always waged a war against many relevant issues, including the commercialisation of education.

Mr Achutanandan said his demise was a loss to the Left parties.

State Transport Minister Mathew T Thomas said he had lost a friend and also a colleague. He always stood for the students and the youth and had raised his voice for them, both in the Assembly and outside.

State Irrigation Minister N K Premachandran was among the others who condoled the death of Chacko.

Chacko, 47, who was suffering from blood cancer, died at Ernakulam this morning. He was representing Thiruvambadi in the Assembly.

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