V K Ebrahim Kunju, former Kerala minister & IUML stalwart, passes away

Kochi: Former PWD minister and senior IUML leader V K Ebrahim Kunju passed away on Tuesday at a private hospital in Kochi. He was 73. A prominent figure in Kerala's political landscape for over four decades, Ebrahim Kunju had been battling multiple myeloma — a form of blood cancer — for a prolonged period. His health condition took a critical turn on Sunday, leading to his hospitalization. Despite the efforts of a medical team led by renowned oncologist Dr V P Gangadharan, he breathed his last at 3.40pm, succumbing to complications including heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Born on May 20, 1952, in Kongorapally, Aluva, Ebrahim Kunju's political journey began with MSF. He steadily rose through the organization's ranks and eventually became a cornerstone of IUML in Ernakulam, serving as its general secretary for 25 years and later as president. His legislative career was distinguished by four terms in the state assembly. He first entered the House in 2001 representing Mattancherry, a seat he successfully defended in 2006. Following the delimitation of constituencies, he contested from Kalamassery, where he won consecutive elections in 2011 and 2016. Ebrahim Kunju served as a minister in two different UDF govts. He joined the Oommen Chandy cabinet in 2005 as the industries and social welfare minister following the resignation of P K Kunhalikutty. He then served as the PWD minister from 2011 to 2016 when he spearheaded several infrastructure projects across the state. Beyond the assembly, Ebrahim Kunju was deeply involved in trade unionism through Swathanthra Thozhilali Union (STU) and served on the syndicates of Cusat and GCDA and as the director of Cochin International Airport Ltd (Cial). The latter part of his career, however, witnessed controversy in the form of the Palarivattom flyover scam, which led to a legal battle and his arrest in 2020. Despite the political storm, he remained a respected strategist within IUML and a significant voice for the Muslim community in central Kerala. He is survived by his wife, Nadeera, and three sons, including V E Abdul Gafoor, who followed his father's footsteps into politics. Ebrahim Kunju's body was displayed at Kalamassery from 6pm for public homage after which it was taken to his home in Aluva around 10pm. His funeral will be held at Alangad Juma Masjid at 10am on Wednesday.