Kozhikode (Kerala) | CPI(M) MLA Kanathil Jameela, who represented the Koilandy constituency in the state assembly, passed away here on Saturday.
She was 59.
Jameela had been undergoing treatment for a cancer-related illness at a private hospital in Kozhikode. She died around 8.45 pm, party leaders said.
Before being elected MLA in 2021, she served as president of the Kozhikode District Panchayat and had a long career in public service and party work.
Born in Kuttiyadi, Kozhikode, to T K Ali and T K Mariam, she was married to Abdul Rahman. She is survived by a son and a daughter.
CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan and Minister P A Muhammad Riyas visited the hospital to pay their respects.
Her body will be taken to her residence, and the last rites will be held later, party leaders said.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the death of Jameela, who was also a member of the CPI(M) district committee.
He said she came from a modest background and entered the Communist movement at a young age.
Vijayan said she rose step by step through local self-government institutions, proving her administrative abilities before becoming a legislator.
She had served as president of the grama panchayat, block panchayat and district panchayat, and was known for her active involvement in public issues.
"Her simple and humane approach earned widespread acceptance," he said, adding that she maintained friendships beyond political lines.
As a leader of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA), she took up issues concerning women with conviction, Vijayan added.
Kerala Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer expressed deep sorrow over her demise, calling it a painful loss.
He said Jameela was one of the strongest representatives of the Left Front, actively raising constituency issues in the Assembly and speaking powerfully on women’s issues.
With her passing, the state has lost a committed and strong public worker, the Speaker said.
Opposition Leader V D Satheesan also expressed condolences to her family and paid tribute to the departed leader.
He said she remained active during Assembly sessions, and her demise was unexpected.
