Senior Kerala leader KM Mani passes away at 86
Kerala Congress (M) chairman and former Kerala finance minister KM Mani passed away today due to Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease. He breathe his last at Lakeshore Hospital in Kochi. He was 86-years-old.
The chairman of Kerala Congress (M) and the longest serving legislator in the state, Karingozhakkal Mani Mani commonly know as KM Mani was the longest serving member of Kerala Assembly and had presented the maximum number of Budgets (thirteen) as Finance Minister in the Kerala Legislative Assembly. His political career spanned over five decades. KM Mani had held various portfolios like Revenue, Law, Irrigation, Home and Finance and he also held the distinction of being the longest-serving minister in the Government of Kerala and having continuously represented Pala legislative constituency since its inception in 1964.
According to reports, his initiative of Karunya Lottery Benevolent Scheme claims financial help of Rs 1400 crores for nearly 1,50,000 poor patients. Mani introduced pension for farmers and widows in Kerala.
Based on Kerala High court's comments on Mani's involvement in Kerala BAR license scam and bribery case, he had to resign from the post of Finance minister of Kerala on 10 November 2015.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the death of Kerala Congress (M) leader K M Mani and said his rich contributions to the State would be remembered. In a tweet, Modi said "Shri KM Mani was a stalwart of Kerala politics. His impeccable electoral record indicated his deep connect with the citizens of the State.
His rich contribution to the state will be remembered. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. RIP."
