Congress's Thennala Balakrishna Pillai Passes Away at 95

Thiruvananthapuram

Thennala Balakrishna Pillai, a veteran Congress leader and former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, passed away on Friday at a private hospital due to age-related health issues, party sources confirmed. Known for his humble nature, gentlemanly behavior, and consensus-building leadership, Pillai had stepped away from active politics in recent years.

Pillai served as a two-time MLA and three-time Rajya Sabha MP. He led the KPCC twice and was respected for his selfless approach, rooted in Gandhian principles. His calm and simple style helped unite the party during times of internal conflicts, earning him admiration beyond party lines.

Born on March 11, 1930, in Shooranad, Kollam district, Pillai began his political journey as president of the Congress ward committee and rose through various party positions. He represented the Adoor constituency twice in the Kerala Assembly (1977 and 1982) and served three terms in the Rajya Sabha. Under his KPCC leadership, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) won a record 100 seats in the 2001 state elections.

Despite his contributions, Pillai quietly accepted political setbacks, including stepping down as KPCC president to support party unity. He even sold ancestral land to strengthen the party in Kollam.

Leaders from all parties mourned his death. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called him a well-respected gentleman politician, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi praised his commitment, humility, and integrity. Pillai’s legacy as a principled, unifying force in Kerala politics remains deeply respected.