Chengannur: Thomas Kuthiravattam (80), one of the stalwarts of the Kerala Congress and a former Rajya Sabha MP, has passed away. He died at his home in Kallissery, Chengannur, following age-related ailments. He served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1985 to 1991.
He was part of several parliamentary committees, including the Joint Parliamentary Committee that probed the Bofors deal. He also served as a member of the Malankara Orthodox Church Managing Committee. Within the undivided Kerala Congress, he had held positions such as Working Chairman and long-time General Secretary. During the 1970s, he emerged as a strong spokesperson for the Kerala Congress (M) faction and was a close confidant of K M Mani. Although considered for a Union ministerial post during the tenure of the Chandra Shekhar Cabinet, he was not appointed.
Born on June 1, 1945 to Thomas Varghese and Annamma Varghese of Kallissery Kuthiravattam, he completed his schooling at Kallissery LPS and Kallissery High School, followed by pre-degree studies at SB College in Changanassery, and a bachelor’s degree from NSS College, Changanassery. He entered public life at the age of 12 by participating in the Vimochana Samaram. Through KSYU, he became active in student politics. He rose to leadership by protesting against the dismissal of a headmaster. After the formation of the Kerala Congress, he joined its student wing, KSCC, serving as state secretary and president. He later became a key worker of the party through the Youth Front.
In 1980, he contested the Assembly elections from Chengannur as the Kerala Congress (M) candidate. In 1985, he entered the Rajya Sabha representing Kerala Congress (M). In the 1991 parliamentary elections, he contested from Mavelikkara on a Samajwadi Janata Party ticket. In 1996, he contested from Pathanapuram as the Kerala Congress (B) candidate, but did not win.
From 2010 onwards, he gradually withdrew from active politics and focused more on charitable activities. He served for 25 years as a member of the Malankara Orthodox Church Managing Committee, during which time the process of establishing the Chengannur Diocese began. He was also a member and treasurer of the Church’s Ardra Charitable Society.
He is survived by wife Lissy Thomas of Nariapuram Madampil Parambil House and children Juni Kuthiravattam (member, High Power Committee, Kerala Congress), Rony Thomas, Annie Thomas, Tony Kuthiravattam (member, Thiruvanvandoor Panchayat), sons-in-law and daughters-in-law Adv Sheena Juni, Mahesh Harilal, Sanjay M Kaul (MD and CEO, GIFT City, Gujarat) and Jisha Tony.
Funeral details will be announced later.
