Kochi: Former Kerala minister and Kerala Congress Deputy Chairman T.U. Kuruvilla has passed away at the age of 90. He died at a private hospital in Kochi while undergoing treatment for age-related ailments.
Kuruvilla served as the Public Works Department minister in the V.S. Achuthanandan-led government for around a year, from November 2006 to September 2007. He assumed office following the resignation of P.J. Joseph in 2006 but stepped down a year later in the wake of the Rajakumari land deal controversy.
Born on September 13, 1936, at Oonjapara in Kothamangalam, Kuruvilla was the son of Uthuppu and Mariyam.
He began his public life as the president of Keezhmpara Panchayat, a position he held from 1964 to 1978. He later served as chairman of the Plantation Corporation (1982-1987) and the Kerala Housing Board (1996-2001).
Kuruvilla was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly from Kothamangalam constituency in both 2006 and 2011, representing the LDF in 2006 and the UDF in 2011.
During his tenure as MLA and minister, he was credited with initiating several development projects in Kothamangalam, particularly in areas such as road infrastructure, drinking water supply, educational institutions, and farmers' welfare.
Beyond politics, Kuruvilla was known as an organiser, businessman, tourism entrepreneur, and collaborator, leaving a mark across multiple fields.
He had also received honours including Chevalier, Commander, and "Bar Etho Shariro (Son of the Church)" from the Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
He is survived by his wife Chinnamma (of the Kallunkal family, Oonjapara) and children Reena, Dr. Renu, Remi, Dr. Rekha, and Eldho. His sons-in-law include Dr. Paul Jacob, Thomas Muthoot, and Ritika. He was predeceased by Pouvvels Kurien and Sudeep Thomas John.