MLA Vazhoor Soman Dies of Heart Attack
Thiruvananthapuram: In a sudden and tragic turn, Kerala MLA Vazhoor Soman—a veteran CPI leader and champion of plantation workers—has passed away at the age of 72. The Peermade MLA collapsed of a heart attack while attending a revenue assembly session in the city. Despite being rushed to a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, he could not be saved.
A Journey Rooted in Grassroots
Born on September 14, 1952, in Vazhoor, Kottayam, Soman’s connection with Peermade began unexpectedly when he came to spend school holidays at his mother’s ancestral home. Over time, he adopted Peermade as his personal political base.
He entered public life in the 1970s through the AISF. Over the years, Soman became a key figure among plantation workers in Idukki, even learning Tamil to better engage with them. He also furthered his education in the Soviet Union, thanks to his party’s support.
Political Ascent and Legislative Legacy
Soman held various significant positions: welfare chairman of the Idukki district panchayat, Chairman of the State Warehousing Corporation under the Pinarayi Vijayan government, and he was the State Vice President of AITUC, as well as General Secretary of the Peermade Plantation Workers Union, one of Asia’s largest plantation workers’ groups.
In the 2021 Kerala Assembly elections, the Peermade MLA won his first seat by defeating Congress candidate Cyriac Thomas with a narrow margin of 1,835 votes. Despite facing legal challenges alleging incomplete disclosure in his nomination affidavit, the High Court dismissed the petition.
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Final Moments and Public Tribute
On August 21, 2025, during a revenue-related meeting at the Institute of Land and Disaster Management in PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Soman collapsed while departing from the session. Revenue Minister K. Rajan immediately arranged for his transfer to a nearby private hospital, but the heart attack proved fatal.
His body was brought to the CPI state headquarters (M.N. Smarakam) for public homage before being taken to Peermade later that evening.
Remembering a Dedicated Leader
Vazhoor Soman is survived by his wife, Bindu, and his two sons, Advocates Sobin and Sobith.
A tireless advocate for rights of plantation workers, a Kerala MLA deeply rooted in local struggles, and a respected CPI leader, his passing marks the end of an era for Peermade and labor communities across the region.
