Thiruvananthapuram: Former Kerala minister and senior Congress leader Aryadan Muhammed died on Sunday at the age of 87. Mohammed was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode.

Former Kerala minister Aryadan Muhamad was an eight-time MLA, representing the Nilambur constituency in Malappuram district. He entered politics in 1952 as a member of the Congress Party and remained a part of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee till 1958.

The former minister served as the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of the Kerala Legislative Assembly from 1998 to 2001 and as the Chairman of the PUC of the KLA from 2001 to 2004.

He was the Minister of Labor and Forests in the EK Nayanar cabinet. He also held ministerial posts in the AK Antony cabinet and Oommen Chandy cabinet. Apart from this, Muhammad was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1977, 1980, 1987, 1991, 1996 and 2001.

Calling Muhammad’s death a personal loss, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote, “Heartfelt condolences to the family of senior Congress leader from Kerala, Aryadan Muhammed ji. An 8-time MLA, he was a grassroots politician, an excellent administrator and an even better human being. His passing is a huge loss to the party and a personal loss to me.”

Heartfelt condolences to the family of senior Congress leader from Kerala, Aryadan Muhammed ji.

An 8-time MLA, he was a grassroots politician, an excellent administrator and an even better human being.

His passing is a huge loss to the party and a personal loss to me. pic.twitter.com/ST5Lt2dLkL

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 25, 2022

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, condoling the demise of the veteran leader, said: “Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Sri Aryadan Muhammed, former minister and 8 time MLA (Nilambur). Knowledge of society’s pulse & service with progressive & secular approach endeared him to all.”

Hon'ble Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan said:"Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Sri #AryadanMuhammed,former minister& 8 time MLA(Nilambur). Knowledge of society's pulse&service with progressive& secular approach endeared him to all.May his soul RIP:PRO KeralaRajBhavan pic.twitter.com/rE9O3eBMKq

— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) September 25, 2022