Kerala MLA Vazhoor Soman Dies of Heart Attack at 72

A Political Veteran's Final Bow: Kerala Mourns the Loss of Vazhoor Soman

Kerala's political landscape was plunged into sorrow today with the sudden demise of Vazhoor Soman, the sitting CPI MLA from the Peerumade constituency. He was 72. Soman passed away after suffering a massive heart attack while attending a revenue meeting in Thiruvananthapuram. The news of his death sent shockwaves through the political circles of the state, with leaders across the spectrum paying heartfelt tributes to a veteran leader known for his simplicity and commitment to the people.

The tragic incident occurred this afternoon at the Institute of Land and Disaster Management Centre in PTP Nagar. Soman, who was an active participant in the meeting, suddenly collapsed. Despite immediate medical assistance and being rushed to a private hospital in Sasthamangalam, he could not be revived. Doctors at the hospital confirmed that he had suffered a chronic heart attack. The body will be kept for public homage at MN Smarakam in Thiruvananthapuram before being transported to his native village in Vazhoor, Kottayam.

From a Rubber Tapper to a Respected Legislator

Vazhoor Soman's journey in politics was a true testament to his grassroots connection and unwavering dedication to the Communist Party of India (CPI). Hailing from a humble background in Vazhoor, Kottayam, Soman began his political life as an activist with the All India Students' Federation (AISF). His political career was built from the ground up, starting as a worker and union leader in the plantation sector of Idukki. He was a rubber tapper by profession, and his firsthand experience with the struggles of the working class informed his political ideology and his commitment to their welfare.

He served as the Idukki District President of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) for a significant period and was also the State Vice President and National Working Committee member of AITUC at the time of his death. His deep involvement in the trade union movement gave him a strong voice for the rights of plantation workers in Idukki, a district where this sector is a major source of livelihood.

Soman's political influence extended beyond the trade union movement. He served as a member of the Idukki District Panchayat's Welfare Committee and was also the Chairman of the Kerala State Warehousing Corporation.

The People's Representative: A Voice for Peerumade

Vazhoor Soman's electoral success was a reflection of the trust and respect he commanded among the people of Peerumade. He won the 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election, defeating his rival Cyriac Thomas of the Indian National Congress by a margin of 1,835 votes. His victory was a significant moment for the CPI, as he was the third consecutive MLA from the party to represent the constituency.

His tenure as MLA was marked by his active participation in the legislative assembly and his constant engagement with the public. He was known for his simple lifestyle, easy accessibility, and his tireless efforts to address the issues faced by his constituents, particularly those in the plantation-rich regions of Peerumade. He was a familiar face in the villages and estates of his constituency, and his absence will be deeply felt by the people he served.

Tributes Pour In: A State in Mourning

Following the news of his death, condolences and tributes began pouring in from all corners of the state and the country. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with several of his cabinet colleagues, rushed to the hospital to pay their respects. In a statement, the Chief Minister remembered Soman as a leader who dedicated his life to the welfare of the working class and the people of his constituency.

Leaders from various political parties, including the Congress and the BJP, also expressed their grief, highlighting Soman's dignified conduct and his commitment to his political ideals. His passing marks the end of an era for the CPI in Idukki, as he was considered one of the party's most prominent faces in the district.

The death of Vazhoor Soman is a profound loss for Kerala. He was a leader who embodied the spirit of a true public servant, a man who rose from the grassroots to become a respected voice in the legislative assembly. While the political and social vacuum he leaves behind will be hard to fill, his legacy of dedicated service and his unwavering commitment to the people will continue to inspire a new generation of leaders.