Thousands bid farewell to CPI stalwart Bhargavan

Setting aside political differences, thousands bade farewell to CPI stalwart Veliyam Bhargavan as his mortal remains were laid to rest here this afternoon with state honours.
A central player of Kerala politics for decades, Bhargavan (85) died yesterday following age-related illnesses.
People drawn from different walks of life paid homage to the departed leader as his body was kept at the party's state headquarters M N Smarakam during the day.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, CPI national council secretary D Raja, state secretary Panniyan Raveendran and leaders from various other parties paid homage to the leader.
Party cadres and sympathisers from various parts of the state also offered a parting last salute to their leading comrade who built the party as a decisive force in Kerala's coalition scenario and led it for long without ever giving in to lures of power and pelf.

Reputed as a shrewd tactician and pragmatist, Bhargavan had an unsullied reputation in public life, endearing him to political friends and foes.