Prominent trade union leader Balanandan passes away

Veteran trade union leader and former CPI(M) Politburo member E Balanandan died here on Monday after prolonged illness.

Balanandan, 84 is survived by his wife Sarojini, a prominent CPI(M) leader, three daughters and a son. Balanandan, a former CITU All India President, was admitted to a hospital on Friday last following severe respiratory problems and since then was on life support system.

He died at 8.45 am on Monday, party sources said. His wife and a host of party leaders were present at the hospital when he died.

Balanandan was a member of the CPI(M) politburo for a long time and was at the helm of the party's trade union wing for several years. He was a member of the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and the Kerala Legislative Assembly.

Kerala Fisheries minister S Sarma was among the first to pay homage to the departed leader.  The funeral is likely to be held this evening at the Kalamassery Party's area compound, the sources said.