Kochi: M.M. Lawrence, a renowned politician and former Central Committee member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has passed away at the age of 94. He died at a private hospital in Kochi on Saturday morning.

Lawrence had a distinguished political career, serving on the Central Committee until 1998 and becoming a prominent figure in the Left Democratic Front in Kerala. His tenure in Parliament, where he represented the Idukki constituency from 1980 to 1984, marked a significant milestone in his career.

A dedicated advocate for workers' rights, Lawrence played a vital role as the leader of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and served as president of the Cochin Port Labour Union. His commitment to social justice was evident during turbulent times; he was imprisoned for 22 months in connection with the Edappally police station attack case and also faced imprisonment during the Emergency.

Even after his time on the Central Committee, Lawrence continued to contribute to his community at a local level in the Ernakulam district, leaving a lasting impact on those he served.