Funeral of CPI(M) Leader A.V. Russel to Be Held on Sunday

Kottayam: The funeral of A.V. Russel, member of the CPI(M) Kerala State Committee and Secretary of the Kottayam District Committee, will be held on Sunday. He passed away on Friday at Apollo Hospital in Chennai at the age of 62. Russel had been undergoing treatment for cancer and succumbed to a heart attack.
A dedicated leader, Russel played a crucial role in CPI(M) and the trade union movement. He joined the party in 1981 and began his political career as a block secretary in Changanassery. His public life started as an SFI activist at SN College, Kollam, later rising to prominence as a youth leader. He led protests against police brutality during the Koothuparamba and Muthanga incidents under the UDF government, enduring severe police assaults and imprisonment on false charges. Despite these hardships, he remained committed to justice and social activism, known for his firm stance against communal and sectarian forces.
Russel held several key positions, including CPI(M) District Secretary, CITU District Secretary, DYFI District Secretary, and State Vice President. He served as a district panchayat member from 2000 to 2005 and contested the 2006 Assembly elections from Changanassery. As the president of Changanassery Urban Bank, he made notable contributions to the cooperative sector. A staunch advocate for workers' rights, he led various labour movements, championing the cause of both organised and unorganised workers.
Even while battling cancer, Russel remained actively engaged in political and social work, demonstrating unwavering dedication until his final days.
Born in Thegana, Aanjilimoottil, Changanassery, Kottayam, he was the son of Adv. A.K. Vasappan and P. Shyama. He is survived by his wife, Bindu, a CPI(M) member; daughter, Charulatha, an HR administrative officer in Ernakulam; and son-in-law, Alan Dev, a High Court lawyer.
Condolences from Leaders

CPI(M) Polit Bureau Coordinator Prakash Karat described Russel as an able party organizer and an experienced trade union leader. Kerala Chief Minister and Polit Bureau member Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief over his passing, stating that it is a great loss to CPI(M) and the Left movement. CPI(M) Kerala State Secretary M.V. Govindan conveyed deep sorrow, emphasising that Russel’s absence has left an irreplaceable void in the party and progressive movements.