Former MLA P.J. Francis passes away

P.J. Francis | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Former MLA P.J. Francis passed away in Alappuzha on Wednesday. He was 88. He died of age-related ailments. A Congress leader, Mr. Francis earned the reputation of a “giant killer” when he defeated Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] veteran V.S. Achuthanandan in the Mararikulam Assembly constituency by a margin of 1,965 votes in the 1996 elections. He contested again from Mararikulam in the 2001 Assembly polls, but lost to T.M. Thomas Isaac of the CPI(M). Before his 1996 victory, Mr. Francis had unsuccessfully contested from the Aroor Assembly constituency in the 1987 and 1991 elections, losing both times to K.R. Gouri of the CPI(M).

Published - June 18, 2025 10:14 pm IST