The State president of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Uzhavoor Vijayan, 60, died at a private hospital here on Sunday. He was admitted to the hospital on July 11 with complications, including coronary artery problems. His condition, described as serious on Saturday, deteriorated in the afternoon. He was on life support system on Saturday and died around 6.30 a.m. on Sunday. His wife and two daughters were present at the time of his death.
Leaders across Kerala’s political spectrum condoled the death of Mr. Vijayan.
Known for his pithy speeches, Mr. Vijayan contested elections only once in 2001 against Kerala Congress (M) leader K.M. Mani in Pala.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan remembered Mr. Vijayan’s unwavering position with Left politics. He never hankered after power and maintained a clean image, the Chief Minister said.
Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala remembered Mr. Vijayan for his acerbic speeches and his capability to make friends cutting across political divide. Transport Minister Thomas Chandy, Mr. Vijayan’s party colleague, said the late leader had shared some his plans for reviving the NCP’s fortunes in the State.
Minister for Ports Kadannappally Ramachandran and A.K. Saseendran and V.D. Satheesan, MLAs, visited the hospital on Sunday morning. The body was taken to Uzhavoor, in Kottayam. NCP sources said he would be cremated around 12 noon on Monday.
