Assembly pays homage to former Speaker T. S. John

Thiruvananthapuram:  Kerala Assembly paid homage to former Speaker T. S. John on Monday .

Making an obituary reference, Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan recalled that Kerala had lost a capable leader in the death of John.

A founder leader of Kerala Congress, John served as Speaker from February 17, 1976 to March 25, 1977. He was Minister for Food and Civil Supplies for about a year in the late seventies. He passed away on June 9.

Chief Minister Pinarai Vijayan said that T. S. John was a popular leader who had won the acclaim of the House as Speaker. As Minister, he had been a skillful administrator and had been instrumental in opening of the Kerala Stores. He had also been a capable advocate and a leader of the farmers.

Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said that T. S .John had been the voice of the farmers. He had stood for farmers and workers.

Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekharan recalled that the contributions of John in the field of education were commendable.

Muslim League leader P. K. Kunhalikkutty remembered that John had been a very gentle person. His demise was a loss to him personally and to the House.

BJP leader O. Rajagopal commented that T. S. John had been a leader of principles and added that in his last years he had discussed his interest in joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Independent member P.C. George remembered that John had been a simple and respectable personality who had stood for farmers’ rights. He (Mr. George) had disagreed with him over alliance with the NDA.

The Assembly stood in silence in homage of John and was adjourned for the day without transacting any other business.