P. T. Thomas, a senior Congress leader passed away at a private hospital in Vellore on Wednesday. The 71 year old MLA was undergoing cancer treatment at a private hospital. He breathed
his last at around 10:30 am on December 2022.
Thomas, one of the party's vibrant leaders in Kerala, represented Ernakulam's Thrikkakara Assembly constituency since 2016. From 2009 to 2014, he served as a Member of Parliament
for the Idukki constituency. At the recent organisational restructure, he was elected as the working president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee.
Mr Thomas was a four-time MLA and former Member of Parliament who rose through the ranks of the Congress party from his college days as a fierce KSU leader at Maharaja's College,
Ernakulam.
Many dignitaries have entended their condolences on the veteran leader’s demise.
Former Congress president and senior leader, Rahul Gandhi said, "I’m saddened to know of the demise of Shri PT Thomas. Along with his various contributions to the Congress
party and the state of Kerala, he will be remembered for being a vibrant, helpful person."
"My condolences to his family and friends," he added.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan while expressing grief said that the state has lost an exceptional parliamentarian, who was known for expressing his opinions both within and outside
the Assembly, regardless of his party's stance. The CM added, "He was also renowned for his organising skills and speeches, both inside and outside the house."
VD Satheesan, the leader of the opposition, said Thomas' death has left him without a dedicated party leader, colleague, and friend. "We were all praying that he would make
it through the treatment and survive cancer," Satheesan said.