Senior Keralam CPI(M) leader Baby John passed away at the age of 74

Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) senior leader and former Thrissur district secretary of the party Baby John died at the age of 74. A member of the CPI(M) state secretariat, John also served as the Thrissur district secretary of the Center of Indian Trade Unions (CITU).

Born in 1952, John joined the Left movement in 1969 and joined the party in 1971. In July 2006, he was appointed as the District Secretary of the CPI(M) Thrissur.

His organizational experience also extended to several trade unions and mass organizations. He has served as District Secretary of CITU, District President and Secretary of Beedi Workers’ Union, State Vice-President of Kerala Beedi and Cigar Workers’ Federation, District Secretary of Fishermen’s Union and President of Chavakkad Regional Union of Toddy and Thrissur District Headload and General Workers’ Union.

John was also active in the Kerala Karshaka Sangham and led several struggles highlighting the concerns of farmers, laborers and common people.

Arrest during a state of emergency

From 1971 he was a teacher at PVM LP School, Blangad, Thaikkad panchayat. He was arrested twice during the state of emergency and spent two and a half months in prison. After the police action, he was suspended from teaching for one and a half years. He took voluntary retirement in 1991 to become a full-time political worker.

John contested the 2011 assembly elections from Manaluru.

The body will be kept for public homage at the CPI(M) Thrissur district committee office on Monday from 10 am to 11 am before being taken to his home. A public tribute will be held at his Poovathur residence till 2.30 pm, followed by a public viewing at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Hall in Chavakkad from 3 pm. The funeral will be held at Chavakkad Public Crematorium at 4:00 PM.

Published – 13 Sep 2026 19:18 IST