Former finance minister passes away

As a shock to the state, Kerala Congress veteran and former state Finance Minister K M Mani passed away after prolonged illness. He breathed his last in Kochi at the age of 86.

According to Hindustan Times, Kerala Congress veteran was admitted to a hospital on Sunday due to respiratory ailments. He had been suffering from COPD (Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease) for several years and had frequently been hospitalised for chest infection. He is survived by his wife, two daughter and son Jose K Mani, a Rajya Sabha member.

Mani was a colossus in Kerala politics, he represented Pala constituency in Kottayam for almost five decades and also held the record of having presented the maximum number of budgets (13) in the Kerala Legislative Assembly as Finance Minister and also as the longest-serving member of Kerala Assembly. He also introduced many welfare activities.

On hearing about the demise, Kerala Governor Justice Sathasivam and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the death of the senior leader. "He was a good lawmaker was a role model for many in Kerala. His death will leave a vacuum in state politics” Vijayan said his condolence. Mani was also a lawyer and authored many books.