Fri Feb 21 14:14:37 UTC 2025: ## Veteran CPI(M) Leader A.V. Russel Passes Away at 63

**KOLLAM, Kerala, February 22, 2025** – A.V. Russel, the Kottayam district secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], passed away on Friday at the age of 63. He was receiving treatment for cancer at Apollo Hospital in Chennai.

Russel, a prominent figure in Kerala’s political landscape, had a long and distinguished career with the CPI(M). He began his political journey as the DYFI (Democratic Youth Federation of India) block secretary, rising through the ranks to become the DYFI state vice-president and a central committee member. He served as the CPI(M) Changanassery area secretary for 13 years and was a member of the party’s district committee for 27 years. He also held the post of CITU (Centre of Indian Trade Unions) Kottayam district secretary. In 2006, he contested the Assembly elections from the Changanassery constituency.

Russel was elected Kottayam district secretary in 2019, and was re-elected earlier this year. He had previously served in the role temporarily in 2021.

His body will lie in state at the CPI(M) district committee office in Kottayam on Saturday, followed by a final journey to his home in Thengana. The funeral is scheduled for Sunday at his residence. He is survived by his wife, Bindu, and daughter, Charulatha. His passing marks a significant loss for the CPI(M) and the people of Kerala.

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