Union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy with K Madhavan. (File Photo)
Freedom fighter and communist leader K Madhavan passed away at a private hospital in Kerala due to old age ailments. He was 101.
The veteran leader was hospitalised a few days ago for old age ailments and died late last night, family sources said today.
Mr Madhavan, who took part in the country's freedom movement as well as the Guruvayur temple-entry agitation, leaves behind his wife Indira, two sons and two daughters.
State Revenue Minister E Chandrasekaran was among those who paid their last respects to Mr Madhavan whose funeral was held this evening.
Shops and other business establishments in Kanhangad remained closed in the afternoon as a mark of respect to the departed leader.
Born on August 26, 1915 in Kasaragod district, Mr Madhavan was one of the youngest participants in the Salt Satyagraha at the age of 15.
He had also actively participated in the Guruvayur temple entry agitation which resulted in the declaration of the right for people of all castes to enter the temple in 1936.
Mr Madhavan, who began his political career as a Congress worker, later parted ways with the party to join the communist movement.
He was with the CPI during the split of the movement in the country in 1964. After remaining in the CPI(M) for some years since 1987, he retired from active politics.