Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, the CPI(M) leader from Kerala, died aged 70 on Saturday. The former home and tourism minister of Kerala was suffering from cancer and was undergoing treatment at the Apollo hospital in Chennai since August 28.  

Balakrishnan was married to S. R. Vinodini, daughter of former MLA M. V. Rajagopalan’s Master. They married in 1980 and had two sons, Bineesh Kodiyeri and Binoy Kodiyeri. 

Also read: Who was Kodiyeri Balakrishnan?

Although the exact details of his net worth are unclear, online sources say that he was around $7 million rich. 

One of his sons, Binoy Kodiyeri, was accused of sexual abuse by a Bihar native. The woman accused Binoy of sexually abusing her after falsely promising marriage. After Binoy pleaded guilty, the court ordered a DNA test. 

Before the result of the DNA test came out, Binoy and co. settled the case out of court by paying Rs 80 lakh in compensation to the victim.

Balakrishnan has previously served as the home minister of Kerala from 2006 to 2011 in the VS Achuthanandan government. He was also the party secretary of the Kerala CPI(M) and a member of the politburo- the party’s top decision-making body.

Also read: Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, former Kerala Home Minister, dies at 70

“It is with deep grief and sorrow that we give the news of the passing away of Veteran communist Comrade Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Polit Bureau member of the CPI(M) and former Secretary of Kerala State Committee,” the CPIM said. “We dip the red flag in homage,” they added. 

In August 2022, Balakrishnan stepped down from the role of party secretary due to poor health. He was serving in the position since 2015.

A N Shamseer, speaker of the Kerala assembly said in a Facebook post, “Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Adieu Dear Balakrishnetta”.