Former minister TU Kuruvilla passes away

Kochi: Senior politician, former public works department minister and former Kerala Congress deputy chairman T U Kuruvilla passed away on Friday. He was 89.He had been hospitalised for the past few days following lung-related ailments. His condition worsened while undergoing expert medical treatment.Kuruvilla had a public career spanning more than five decades. He was elected to the legislative assembly from Kothamangalam in 2006 and 2011. He contested again in 2016 but was defeated.He served as public works department minister in the V S Achuthanandan ministry in 2006. Kuruvilla had been associated with Kerala Congress since its early years and held several positions in the party. He worked closely with P J Joseph for many years and became MLA and minister while being part of the Joseph faction.After the formation of Kothamangalam municipality, he became a member of its first council and later served as standing committee chairman. He also served as chairman of Plantation Corporation, chairman of housing board and was a member of rubber board.The funeral will be held on Sunday at St Stephen’s Bes-Ania Church, Chelad. Kuruvilla is survived by his wife Chinnamma, children Reena, Renu, Remi, Rekha and Eldho.