Kerala Iron Lady in Politics K R Gouri passed away

A former minister and an old-time communist leader K R Gouri Amma passed away in Thiruvananthapuram.

About Gouri Amma

She was born on July 14, 1919 in Alappuzha district. She studied law. Later she became a member of Communist Party of India. She played a leading role in fighting for the rights of unprivileged sections and labourers.

Gouri Amma fought against the Travancore Divan Ramaswamy Aiyar in Punnapra Vayalar struggle.

She was subjected to physical torturing by police for a number of times.

Elections

In 1948, she contested against Thiru-Kochi from Thuravur constituency. Unfortunately, she lost the elections. However, she won in the elections held in 1952 and 1954.

In 1957, when the first election to Kerala Assembly was conducted, Gouri Amma successfully contested and became the first revenue minister of the state.

She had contested 17 elections in her life. And had won 13 of them.

She held ministerial posts in six governments.

She played a major role in several reformative legislations passed. It includes the Lands reforms act. The act was enacted against the expulsion of landless from government land.

Communist party split

When the communist party split, Gouri Amma stood with the reformists. On the other hand, her husband chose not to leave the CPI.

Janathipathya Samrakshana Samithi

In 1994, Gouri Amma was ousted from the CPM due the difference of opinion in leadership. She thus formed her own party called the Janathipathya Samrakshana Samithi. She then aligned with the Congress led United Democratic Front and became a minister.

In 2016, due to difference of opinion in leadership, she left UDF.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2021