IUML Leader Ebrahim Kunju Passes Away at 73, Leaves Behind a Legacy in Kerala Politics
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IUML leader and former Kerala state public works minister VK Ebrahim Kunju has passed away at the age of 73 in a Kochi hospital. A four-time MLA from 2001 to 2021, Kunju had been a dominant figure in Ernakulam district politics, serving as MLA from Mattanchery and Kalamassery constituencies. He holds a rare distinction of being the last MLA from Mattanchery and the first elected MLA from Kalamassery. Throughout his career, Kunju held significant positions in the Kerala government, including minister of industries and social welfare from 2005 to 2006 and PWD minister from 2011 to 2016. During his term, he oversaw the construction of 227 bridges worth ₹1600 crore. However, Kunju was also embroiled in controversy surrounding the Palarivattom flyover corruption case, where he was accused of violating norms by releasing mobilisation advance to the builder. The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) charged him as an accused, but the case is still pending. In his role as IUML state vice-president, Kunju played a crucial part in expanding the party's influence outside its traditional stronghold in Malappuram. He navigated challenges in central districts and maintained close ties with the influential Thangal family in Panakkad. Kunju's legacy in Kerala politics will be remembered for his contributions to the IUML and his efforts to shape the party's footprint in the state.
