RSP leader K. Pankajakshan passes away

Thiruvananthapuram: RSP senior leader and former minister K. Pankajakshan died here Tuesday night. He was 84. 
Pankajakshan was under treatment at the Medical College Hospital after he suffered a heart attack. A stalwart who played a crucial role in the Left front movement in the state Pankajakshan served as a member of the legislative assembly for two decades. He also served as a minister in five cabinets in the state

Born at Pettah, Thiruvananthapuram in 1928, Mr. Pankajakshan has been elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1970, 1977, 1980, 1982 and 1987.

He was the Minister of Public Works from 1976 to 1979 and the Chief Whip of ruling coalition in 1980-81. He also served as the Minister of Labour and Rehabilitation from 1987 to 1991.

Mr. Pankajakshan entered politics through the Congress in 1945. He was later attracted to the Congress Socialist movement and participated in the national movement.

Later, he joined the Kerala Socialist Party (KSP) and was in the forefront of many agitations and trade union struggles. He joined the RSP after a rift in the KSP.