M V Govindan Condoles Death of CPI(M) Madayi Area Secretary V Vinod

Kannur: CPI(M) State Secretary M V Govindan has expressed his condolences on the passing of V Vinod, Area Secretary of the CPI(M) Madayi Area Committee. In his condolence message, Govindan described Vinod as a brilliant orator, an exceptional organiser, and a steadfast presence on the frontlines of struggle — a leader who rose through the ranks of Balasangham, SFI, and DYFI before serving as Local Secretary and eventually Area Secretary.

Govindan recalled one of the defining moments of Vinod's political life: on the night of 26 January 1994, comrade K V Sudhish was hacked to death by RSS workers in front of his own parents. The SFI district conference scheduled to follow was banned by police and delegates taken into custody — yet the conference convened regardless, inside the Koothuparamba Police Station itself. It was at that conference, held under police custody, that V Vinod was elected President of the SFI Kannur District Committee.

That same year witnessed a major agitation against the privatisation of education in Keralam. Even as five comrades were killed in the Koothuparamba police firing that followed days of intense struggle, Vinod refused to retreat and led the student movement with remarkable resolve. His leadership during that period, Govindan noted, was a testament to the fighting spirit that defined SFI's resistance in Kannur. Vinod also endured brutal police assault on multiple occasions during his years in the student movement.

He later rose to the DYFI district leadership, where he worked to mobilise youth, build organisational consciousness, and impart political education — playing a decisive role in expanding the party's presence even in areas where its influence had been limited.

Govindan described Vinod as a people's leader who led the party from the front in times of crisis, remained connected to the masses, and maintained personal bonds across political lines. His network of friendships extended well beyond Madayi, across Kannur district and beyond. Crucially, even as illness took its toll, Vinod remained active in party work and never allowed his condition to diminish his political commitment.

Govindan said Vinod's passing is a profound loss for the CPI(M), and for Keralam, and expressed solidarity with the grief of his family, party workers, and the wider community.