Veteran Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader and former Kerala Minister VK Ebrahim Kunju passed away on Tuesday evening at the age of 73. Kunju had been battling lung cancer for some time and was admitted to Lakeshore Hospital the previous night when his health sharply deteriorated.
Born on May 20, 1952, in Kongorpilly, Ernakulam, Kunju is survived by his wife Nadira and three sons — VE Abdul Gafoor, VE Abbas, and VE Anoop. He was a prominent figure in the United Democratic Front (UDF) and played a key role in shaping Kerala’s political landscape over the past two decades.
Kunju began his political journey with the Muslim Students Federation (MSF) and quickly rose through the ranks of the IUML. He was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly four times, representing Mattancherry in 2001 and 2006, and Kalamassery in 2011 and 2016, after constituency delimitation.
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He first joined the Kerala Cabinet in January 2005 as the Industries Minister following the resignation of PK Kunhalikutty. Later, he served as Public Works Minister in the Oommen Chandy government from 2011 to 2016, implementing key infrastructure projects and earning accolades, including the ‘Kerala Ratna’ award in 2012 and recognition from the International Road Federation, USA.
Despite his administrative achievements, Kunju’s political career faced turbulence due to the Palarivattom flyover corruption case. Arrested in November 2020 by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau while undergoing treatment, he was later granted bail on health grounds. This controversy contributed to him being denied a ticket in the 2021 assembly elections, with his son contesting instead.
Kunju also served as a director of Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) and was a member of the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) syndicate. His death marks the passing of one of Kerala’s most influential IUML leaders, remembered for both his political acumen and contributions to state development.
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