Former Kerala Finance Minister K M Mani passes away

Kerala Congress veteran and former state Finance Minister K M Mani died at a private hospital on Tuesday, April 9, evening, hospital sources said. He was 86. He is survived by his wife and six children.

Mani, who had been undergoing treatment at the VPS Lakeshore hospital for pulmonary disease, breathed his last at 4.57 PM, they said.

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Mani had been suffering from COPD (Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease) for several years and had frequently been hospitalised for chest infection.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, April 9, expressed grief over the death of K M Mani and said his rich contributions to the State would be remembered.

In a tweet, Modi said "Shri KM Mani was a stalwart of Kerala politics. His impeccable electoral record indicated his deep connect with the citizens of the State. His rich contribution to the state will be remembered. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. RIP."

He had been an MLA of Pala assembly constituency for nearly five decades. Kerala Congress(M) is a key ally of the Congress-led UDF in the state.

Mani fell ill days after declaring his close confidante and Kerala Congress(M) leader Thomas Chazhikadan as the UDF candidate in Kottayam Lok Sabha seat. His son and KC(M) leader Jose K Mani is a member of the Rajya Sabha.