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Chennikkara Francis Thomas (30 July 1939 – 27 September 2020) was an Indian politician from Changanassery and member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly. He was Minister for Rural Development in the previous[specify] Kerala Government. He was also the chairman of Kerala Congress and later became its Deputy Chairman. Before entering politics, he was a teacher at St. Berchmans Higher Secondary School in Changancherry from 1962 to 1980.[1][2]
Chennikkara Francis Thomas | |
|---|---|
| Personal details | |
| Born | Chennikkara Francis Thomas 30 July 1939 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Political party | Kerala Congress (M) |
Political career
Thomas entered politics in 1956 as an activist of KSU, the student wing of the Indian National Congress. He joined Kerala Congress in 1964 and was a founder member of the party. He was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1980, 1982, 1987, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016, representing the Changanassery constituency.
Thomas was a minister in the A K Antony Ministry of the previous UDF government, and held the portfolios of Registration, Rural Development, Khadi and Village Industries. He was respected for his humility and simple lifestyle.
Starting political activities while a student, he joined Indian National Congress and then became Vice-President of Changanassery Town (West) Mandalam. He joined Kerala Congress on its formation and served as Secretary and President of Changanassery Constituency; District Secretary, Kottayam; Member, State Executive Committee. He worked as General Secretary and Chairman of Kerala Congress(M).
He was the State Level General Secretary of Kerala Catholic Students League (K.C.S.L.), which influenced the students of Kerala to live in truth. He was also Minister for Rural Development, Registration, Khadi and Village Industries during XI K.L.A.
Owing to the amalgamation of the three groups of Kerala Congress, he served as its Deputy Chairman.
Thomas died at a hospital in Thiruvalla on 27 September 2020, at age 81, following a long illness.[3]
References
- ^ "Tight fight in Kottayam district". Hinduonnet.com. 6 May 2001. Archived from the original on 6 June 2011. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
- ^ "Installation of Corepiscopoi held". The Hindu. 14 January 2007. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
- ^ "Kerala Congress veteran CF Thomas MLA passes away". The New Indian Express. 27 September 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
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