Veteran CPI leader, trade unionist, former Deputy Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly, C A Kurian, 86, passed away here on Saturday morning. He was under medical care of late owing to old-age illnesses.

He had represented the Peerumade Legislative Assembly constituency thrice from 1977-80, 1980-82 and 1996-2001. Kurian commenced his public work as a trade union activist in 1960.

The legendary leader of the AITUC, trade union wing of the CPI, Kurian represented Peermade constituency thrice in the state Assembly. Beginning his political career as the trade union activist in 1960, Kurian was jailed for several months for leading the agitation of plantation workers.

Elected to the state Assembly in the elections held in 1977, 1980 and 1996, Kurian occupied the chair of Deputy Speaker of the state Assembly during the period of 1996 and 2001. Hailing from Puthuppally in Kottayam district, Kurian entered the politics after quitting the job in the bank.

Condoling the demise of Kurian, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the departed leader fought for the rights of the plantation workers in the state.

The CM also recalled the contribution in improving the lives of people living in the hill district of Idukki.

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