Published Jul 16, 2025 | 10:15 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 16, 2025 | 10:15 PM
Veteran Congress leader CV Padmarajan passes away at 93
Synopsis: Senior Congress leader and former KPCC president C.V. Padmarajan passed away at 93 in Kollam on Wednesday. A freedom fighter and respected statesman, he entered politics through the All Travancore Students Congress and held key ministerial roles under K. Karunakaran and A.K. Antony. Known for his principled leadership, Padmarajan leaves behind a legacy of dignified public service
Senior Congress leader, former minister, and ex-Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president CV Padmarajan passed away on Wednesday at a private hospital in Kollam.
He was 93 and had been under treatment for age-related ailments.
Born on July 22, 1931, in Paravur, Kollam, Padmarajan entered public life through the All Travancore Students Congress, actively participating in the freedom movement.
Known for his principled and dignified political style, he held several key ministerial portfolios including finance, electricity, rural development, and fisheries during the tenures of Chief Ministers K. Karunakaran and A.K. Antony.
He was elected from the Chathannoor constituency in 1982 and later stepped down as minister to take over as KPCC president.
During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in uniting the party and was instrumental in establishing Indira Bhavan, the Congress headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram.
He also briefly served as acting Chief Minister when Karunakaran went abroad for treatment.
Fondly known as “Padmarajan Vakeel,” he was admired for his secular values, philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to the Congress Party.
Mourning his demise, KPCC President Sunny Joseph MLA described him as “a secular and philanthropic public servant” who “worked with unwavering energy for the growth of the Congress till the end.”
He also credited Padmarajan with uniting the party and realizing the long-cherished dream of a dedicated party headquarters.
The KPCC has declared official mourning on July 17 and 18. All scheduled party events have been postponed, except for the memorial programme of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
C.V. Padmarajan leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, ideological clarity, and steadfast public service.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
