Kochi: A dispute arose among the children regarding the donation of veteran CPM leader M M Lawrence's body to the medical college. His daughter Asha Lawrence alleged on social media that the party deceived Lawrence even in his final journey, and that the eldest son, whom she referred to as a "slave" of the party, supported this. However, Lawrence’s son Advocate M L Sajeevan said that the body is being donated to the medical college as per Lawrence's wishes.

CPM district secretary C N Mohanan, meanwhile, responded that they will act according to the family's interests. He said that while Lawrence was alive, the party took care of all matters; now the family should decide on post-death arrangements.

Sajeevan mentioned that Lawrence had discussed post-death arrangements with him a few months ago. He and his sister Sujata have signed consent forms for the body to be handed over. Sajeevan also alleged that Asha’s response was influenced by the RSS.

Meanwhile, Asha posted on Facebook that the CPM does not like a Communist conforming to Christian customs during the final journey, stating that if Lawrence were a Hindu, he would have been cremated at Payyambalam Beach or Thirunavaya.

"The marriages of my father and four siblings took place in the Church. My mother’s last journey was also from the Church. The final rites of his (Lawrence’s) father, who was an ardent atheist, were also as per the Christian customs. My father was never against believing in God," the Facebook post stated.

Final tribute today

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Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan paying tribute to senior CPM leader M M Lawrence 


Meanwhile, the body of Lawrence was placed for public viewing at the Ernakulam Town Hall. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan offered his last respects to the veteran leader. He passed away at a private hospital in Kochi on Saturday morning. Lawrence was a prominent leader who helped grow the CPM in Ernakulam district. He held various positions, including president of the Kochi Port Workers' Union, national secretary, national vice president and state Secretary of CITU, and LDF Convener besides serving as an MP from Idukki.