People from different walks of life in Kozhikode paid tributes to Congress veteran Vakkom Purushothaman who passed away on Monday afternoon.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolences to Purushothaman's family and Congress workers saddened by the latter's demise. Vijayan in his Facebook noted how Purushothaman contributed to Congress and in pushing the interests of the state before the union government. 

Congress leader and Opposition leader VD Satheesan expressed his condolences through a Facebook post.

“A father figure of the Congress family, a strong and commanding leader with clear and strict positions. Vakkom Puroshotaman is an exemplary role model who does not bow down to pressure. Vakkom’s demise is a great personal loss to me. He was the Speaker when I first came to the Assembly. Obeisance to Vakkom.”

According to Kerala Speaker A.M Shamseer, “Purushothaman was one of Kerala’s finest parliamentarians. He was an exemplary Assembly Speaker. When I was appointed as the Speaker I went to meet him and seek his blessings. That day he told me that one should always maintain the Assembly's punctuality. During his term, the cabinet would begin its sessions accurately at 8:30 am and end at 1:30 pm. He was known to us as a strict Speaker. We have lost a public leader who left his mark in all the offices that he decorated. I offer my condolences on his demise”

Senior Congress leader A.K Antony said, “Abandoning his job as an advocate, he would roam through the district 24/7 to understand people’s problems. He was always an encouragement for KSU and Youth Congress members. He was strict but sensitive. He never avoided an opportunity to help those in need. We can never forget such a leader. He will be recorded in history as a talented leader. I considered him as an elder brother. We last spoke when he expressed his wish to see Shri Oommen Chandy’s mortal remains. His demise is a loss to Congress, Kerala and India.” 

Governor Arif Mohammed tweeted “Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Sri Vakkom Purushothaman, Senior leader and former Governor. I recall the warmth of his friendship when I called on him at his residence some months ago. Efficiency and vision reflected in the public service Shri Vakkom Purushothaman rendered as Minister (3 terms), Speaker, Kerala Assembly Legislator, Parliamentarian. May his soul attain Mukti"

Meanwhile, Vakkom Purushotaman’s mortal remains will be kept at the Thiruvananthapuram DCC office at 10 am tomorrow (Tuesday) for the public to pay homage. Following this, the remains will be kept at the KPCC office at 11 am for public homage.  At 5 pm there will be a viewing at the Attingal town Hall. The funeral proceedings are decided to be held on Wednesday (August 2) at 11 am in his house premises. The AICC meeting set to be held tomorrow has been canceled out of reverence for the late leader.