House pays tributes to former Speaker A. C. Jose

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Assembly on Monday paid tributes to its former Speaker A. C. Jose who died last month (January 23).

Making an obituary reference, Speaker N. Sakthan recalled that Jose was an able Parliamentarian, devoted trade unionist and fearless journalist. He distinguished himself as Speaker and chairman of various Parliamentary commitees.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy noted that Jose, who entered public life through student politics, was a presence in Kerala politics for half a century.  As Speaker, he was noted for his maturity, moderation and vigilance. On the trade union front, he stood for workers above politics.

Opposition Leader V. S. Achuthanandan said that Jose was an able trade unionist. His death was a great loss to the State.

Ministers M. K. Muneer, K. P. Mohanan and Anoop Jacob, Kerala Congress leader K. M. Mani, CPI leader C. Diwakaran, JDS leader Mathew T. Thomas and NCP leader A. K. Saseendran also remembered Jose.

The House stood up for a minute in homage to Jose. The House then adjourned for the day without transacting any further business in reverence to the departed leader.