The mortal remains of Rajya Sabha MP and former Union Minister M.P. Veerendra Kumar were consigned to flames with full State honours on the premises of his house at Puliyarmala, near Maniyamgode, here on Friday.
Veerendra Kumar died at a private hospital in Kozhikode following cardiac arrest on Thursday at the age of 83.
His son M.V. Shreyamskumar lit the funeral pyre at 5.05 p.m.
The ceremony was held as per the Jain funeral rites.
The district administration had made arrangements to check the rush of people as per the COVID-19 protocol.
Minister for Water Resources K. Krishnankutty, Minister for Transport A.K. Saseendran and C.K. Saseendran, MLA, were among those present to offer their last respects to the departed leader at his residence.
PM, CM condole
“I’m anguished by the passing away of Veerendra Kumar. He distinguished himself as an effective legislator and Parliamentarian. He believed in giving voice to the poor and the underprivileged. Condolences to his family and well wishers,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.
Governor Arif Mohammed Khan described Veerendra Kumar as a true friend, able Parliamentarian, orator and writer whom he knew for over 35 years. This is a personal loss, he said.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan paid rich tributes to the deceased socialist leader. At his daily news briefing, Mr. Vijayan reminisced about their time together in the Kannur Central Prison during the Emergency.