Kochi: CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran passed away today here at a private hospital where he was undergoing treatment for some time. Rajendran (73), popularly Known as Kanam, was a three-time party state secretary from 2015 and he has been member of the CPI national executive since 2012. Kanam was serving as the CPI central secretariat member.
More than a Left leader, Kanam was an skilful trade unionist, who always stood for the workers’ rights. An outspoken leader, the CPI state secretary always remained as the corrective force on the Left front, especially during the first Pinarayi government.
A former MLA from Vazhoor constituency, Kanam stayed away from electoral politics for some time. In 1982 and 1987, Kanam was elected to the assembly from Vazhoor constituency by defeating M K Joseph and PC Thomas. Later he unsuccessfully contested in 1991, 1996 and 2006 elections.
