Kochi ,06 Jan (H.S.):Veteran politician and former Kerala minister V.K. Ibrahim Kunju, a senior leader of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), passed away today at the age of 73.

He was undergoing treatment for lung cancer at a private hospital in Kochi.

His death marks the end of a long political career that spanned over three decades, during which he played a significant role in Kerala’s industrial and organisational landscape.

V.K. Ibrahim Kunju was a four-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and served twice as a cabinet minister. He first entered the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 2001, winning from the Mattancherry constituency.

He retained the seat in 2006 and later represented Kalamassery in the 2011 and 2016 Assembly elections.

He was inducted into the United Democratic Front (UDF) ministry during the 2001–2006 tenure after senior leader P.K. Kunhalikutty resigned from the cabinet. This marked his first stint as a minister. Ibrahim Kunju later served as the Minister for Industries in the Oommen Chandy-led UDF government from 2011 to 2016, a period during which he focused on industrial development and attracting investments to the state.

Apart from his legislative and ministerial responsibilities, Ibrahim Kunju held several key organisational positions within the Muslim League. He served as the party’s district president and was actively involved in its labour wing, the Swatantra Thozhilali Union (STU), holding various leadership roles. At the time of his death, he was serving as the State Vice President of the Muslim League.

His political career, however, was not without controversy. He was arrested by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau in connection with the high-profile Palarivattom flyover corruption case, which sparked widespread political debate in Kerala.

Despite the controversies, Ibrahim Kunju remained an influential figure in state politics. Leaders across party lines have expressed condolences, remembering him as an experienced administrator and seasoned political organiser.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman