Renowned political figure and former Minister of Kerala, P. Cyriac John, passed away at the age of 90 on Thursday night. Battling memory loss for a period of time, his demise marks the end of an era for the political landscape.
A stalwart leader affiliated with the Congress party, P. Cyriac John embarked on his political journey by winning the Kerala Assembly seat from the Kalpetta segment in 1970 under the Congress (R) banner. His subsequent victories led him to represent the Thiruvambady seat in the following three elections, showcasing his enduring commitment to public service.
During his tenure as the Minister for Agriculture in the K. Karunakaran Cabinet from 1982 to 1983, Mr. John left an indelible mark by overseeing the establishment of Krishi Bhavans in every gram panchayat throughout the State, a pivotal move for agricultural development. Despite facing setbacks in several Assembly polls, his dedication to public welfare never waned.
Mr. John's political affiliations evolved over time, as he later transitioned to the Nationalist Congress Party, assuming the role of its State president for a significant period before eventually reuniting with the Congress party in 2007 along with his loyal supporters.
Born on June 11, 1933, as the son of Kadaplamattom John and Mariyamma near Pala in Kottayam, Mr. John's family relocated to Kattippara in Kozhikode during the 1950s. His active involvement in championing regional causes propelled him into the Congress party's inner circles, where he served as a member of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee and its executive wing. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the farmers’ wing of the party and was an integral part of a local cooperative bank.
Survived by his wife, three sons, and two daughters, the final rites to honor his life and legacy are scheduled to take place on Friday, bidding farewell to a political luminary whose contributions have left an enduring impact on Kerala's political landscape.
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