Kerala Congress Leader and Former MLA P. M. Mathew Passes Away at 75
Ex MLA PM Mathew | Photo: Biju Varghese/Mathrubhumi
KOTTAYAM: Senior Kerala Congress leader and former MLA P. M. Mathew passed away on Tuesday at a private hospital near Pala in Kerala’s Kottayam district. He was 75 and had been undergoing treatment for a kidney-related illness, family sources confirmed.
Mathew, a seasoned politician known for his calm demeanour and grassroots connect, breathed his last while under medical care. His death has triggered an outpouring of condolences across political circles in Kerala, with leaders remembering him as a committed public servant who played an important role in state politics during the 1990s.
P. M. Mathew represented the Kaduthuruthy Assembly constituency from 1991 to 1996. He was initially elected as a candidate of the Kerala Congress (M), then led by veteran leader K. M. Mani. In 1993, amid political realignments, Mathew joined the faction led by T. M. Jacob, marking a significant phase in his political journey.
After spending time with the Jacob-led group, Mathew later returned to his parent party, Kerala Congress (M). In recent years, he was associated with the Kerala Congress (Joseph) faction. However, sources said that he had gradually stepped away from active organisational politics and was not involved in day-to-day political activities for some time.
Colleagues and party workers recalled Mathew as a leader who believed in dialogue and consensus-building rather than confrontation. Despite not being in the political spotlight in recent years, he continued to command respect among party cadres and local leaders.
Several political leaders across party lines expressed grief over his demise, stating that Kerala politics had lost an experienced and thoughtful leader. Details regarding his funeral and last rites are expected to be announced by the family shortly.
P. M. Mathew is survived by his family members, who were by his side during his final days.
Our Thoughts
P. M. Mathew’s passing marks the end of a quiet but meaningful chapter in Kerala’s political landscape. Unlike many leaders known for loud rhetoric, Mathew built his public life through steady organisational work and constituency-level engagement. His journey across different factions of the Kerala Congress reflected the complex nature of regional politics, where ideology, leadership, and ground realities often intersect.
As a former legislator, he represented Kaduthuruthy during a period of political transition and remained connected to grassroots workers even after stepping away from active politics. His life reminds us that not all political contributions are measured by long tenures or high offices—some are defined by consistency, loyalty to public service, and the respect earned quietly over decades.
At a time when politics is increasingly polarised, leaders like P. M. Mathew stand out for their restrained approach and commitment to democratic processes. His demise will be felt not only within the Kerala Congress but also among those who value principled regional leadership.