Thiruvananthapuram: Veteran politician and Kerala Congress (M) chairman KM Mani (86) died at a private hospital in Kochi on Tuesday.
Mani, who represented Pala Assembly constituency since its creation in 1965, was undergoing treatment for chronic respiratory illness for a while.
The longest serving minister of the southern state is survived by his wife Kuttiyamma, son Jose K Mani (Rajya Sabha MP and Kerala Congress (M) vice-chairman) and daughters Elsa, Annie, Sally, Tessy and Smitha.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolence in a tweet.
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.— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 9 April 2019
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described Mani's death as "a loss to the political life of Kerala".
Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of veteran politician Shri. KM Mani. He was a tall leader who worked tirelessly to serve our State. His demise is a loss to the political life of Kerala. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) April 9, 2019
Mani held several records in state politics and left behind the legacy of presenting the state budget for a record 13 times.
He resigned as finance minister on November 10, 2015, after being named in a bar bribery scam.
Born on January 30, 1933, to Thomman Mani and Aliyamma at Marangattupilly in Meenachil taluk of Kottayam district, erstwhile Travancore, Mani went to St Joseph’s College, Trissinappally, and pursued a bachelor’s degree in law from Madras Law College.
He served as the secretary of the Kottayam district Congress committee from 1960 to 1964 and then joined the Kerala Congress, a new party, led by KM George.
On June 22, 2003, he set the record of becoming a seven-time minister for 6,061 days (17 years and 7 months).
Mani was a member of 11 ministries, led by different chief ministers, including C Achutha Menon, K Karunakaran, AK Antony, PK Vasudevan Nair and EK Nayanar.
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