By Krishna Dua 
Kerala’s Political Heartbeat Stops: The Sudden Demise of a Veteran Leader
In a somber turn of events that has cast a pall over Kerala’s political landscape, Vazhoor Soman, the respected Communist Party of India (CPI) MLA representing the Peerumade constituency, has passed away at the age of 72. The suddenness of his death, caused by a massive heart attack, has shocked his colleagues, constituents, and the wider public. Soman was attending an official revenue meeting in Thiruvananthapuram when he collapsed, marking the end of a long and dedicated career rooted in public service and trade unionism.
The tragic incident unfolded at the Institute of Land and Disaster Management Centre in PTP Nagar. Soman, who had been actively participating in the day’s discussions, was rushed to a nearby private hospital after his sudden collapse. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, his life could not be saved. Doctors pronounced him dead on arrival, confirming that a fatal heart attack was the cause. His body will be brought to his native village in Vazhoor, Kottayam, for final rites, allowing the people he served a chance to pay their last respects.
The Journey of a People’s Politician: From Grassroots to the Assembly
Vazhoor Soman’s political trajectory was a living example of a leader who rose from the grassroots. Born on September 14, 1952, in Vazhoor, Kottayam, he was a man of humble beginnings. He entered the political arena as a student activist with the All India Students’ Federation (AISF), the student wing of the CPI. His early life as a rubber tapper in the sprawling plantations of Idukki gave him a profound and personal understanding of the struggles of the working class. This experience shaped his political ideology and fueled his lifelong commitment to fighting for the rights of the marginalized.
His leadership qualities quickly shone through, and he became a prominent trade unionist. He held several key positions within the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), the CPI’s trade union wing. He was the Idukki District President of AITUC for an extended period, where he was a fierce advocate for the plantation workers. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the State Vice President and a National Working Committee member of AITUC, a testament to his continued relevance and influence in the labor movement. He was instrumental in many of the labor struggles that secured rights and benefits for the working class in the plantation sector, a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
Soman’s political career was also marked by his service in local governance. He served as the Chairman of the Welfare Standing Committee of the Idukki District Panchayat from 2005 to 2010, where he focused on improving the lives of the local population. He also held the position of Chairman of the Kerala State Warehousing Corporation from 2016 to 2021, showcasing his administrative capabilities.
A Respected Voice: The Peerumade Legislator
Vazhoor Soman’s entry into the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 2021 was a hard-fought victory that underscored his deep-rooted popularity. Contesting from the Peerumade constituency, a stronghold for the CPI, he defeated his rival Cyriac Thomas of the Indian National Congress by a margin of 1,835 votes. This was a significant win, cementing the CPI’s dominance in the constituency and establishing Soman as a respected legislator.
As an MLA, Soman was known for his grounded approach and his easy accessibility to his constituents. He shunned the trappings of power and was a frequent visitor to the villages and tea estates of Peerumade, listening to the problems of the people and working tirelessly to address them. His tenure in the Assembly was characterized by his active participation in debates and his vocal advocacy for the issues affecting his constituency, particularly those related to the plantation workers and the challenges faced by people living in the high ranges of Idukki. He was a trusted bridge between the government and the people he represented.
An Outpouring of Grief: Tributes from Across the Political Spectrum
The news of Vazhoor Soman’s death triggered an immediate and widespread outpouring of condolences from political leaders across the state and the country. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with his cabinet colleagues, paid their respects, remembering Soman as a dedicated communist leader and a champion of the working class. The Chief Minister’s office released a statement highlighting Soman’s contributions to the trade union movement and his exemplary service as an MLA.
Leaders from the opposition parties, including the Congress and the BJP, also expressed their grief, acknowledging Soman’s dignified presence and his commitment to his political ideals. The Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly remarked that Soman was a “people’s leader” who commanded respect from all quarters, irrespective of political affiliations.
The CPI’s state unit is in mourning, having lost one of its most senior and respected leaders. The party’s state secretary remembered Soman as a “true comrade” who dedicated his entire life to the party and its cause. His death is a profound loss for the CPI in Idukki, where he was a towering figure and a guiding light for many young party workers.
The Legacy of a Simple Man
Vazhoor Soman’s legacy is not just one of political victories and legislative achievements, but also one of integrity, simplicity, and unwavering commitment to his fellow citizens. He was a man who never forgot his roots and who dedicated his life to improving the lot of those who were less fortunate. His passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, both in the Kerala Legislative Assembly and in the hearts of the people of Peerumade.
As the state mourns the loss of a true public servant, his life and work stand as a powerful reminder of the impact a single individual can have on the lives of many through dedication, hard work, and a genuine passion for public service. His memory will continue to inspire a new generation of political leaders to follow in his footsteps, serving the people with the same humility and integrity that defined his remarkable life