COMRADE Anathalavattom Anandan , senior CPI(M) leader and CITU state president, passed away on October 5, after a prolonged illness. He was 86 years old. He became a devoted organiser of the coir workers very early and he actively led many militant struggles.

Comrade Anathalavattom Anandan was an unwavering communist leader throughout his life with a steadfast commitment to the cause of the working class and the downtrodden.  With a wealth of experience spanning over seven decades, he emerged as an undisputed leader who will forever be remembered. He served as a CPI(M) state secretariat member and state committee member, and was relieved from these positions during the last state conference of the Party held in Kochi.

He dedicated over seventy years to organising and working for the most downtrodden segments of workers. An indomitable leader, his legacy is etched in the struggles he led, particularly of the coir workers across various districts in Kerala. Elected as a legislator in 1987, 1996, and 2001 from the Attingal assembly constituency, he championed the cause of workers, travelling extensively to mobilise those exploited by coir unit owners. He also served as the vice-chairman of the apex body for coir. He was a prominent campaigner who adeptly explained communist ideology in a clear and lucid manner.

Born on April 22, 1937, in Chilakkallur near Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district, Anandan's political journey began during his schooling in Kadakkavoor. Inspired by various struggles of coir workers, he joined the Communist Party in 1956. Progressing through the ranks, he became a CPI(M) district committee member in 1971 and later assumed roles in the district secretariat, state committee, and state secretariat. He was in underground during the Emergency for 18 months. He is survived by his wife and two children.