C. F. Thomas
Chennikkara Francis Thomas, popularly known as C F Thomas, of Changanassery, Kerala, India), is a politician and a member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly. Thomas was born on 30 July 1939 and is the son of C T Francis and Annamma Francis. He was Minister for Rural Development in the previous Kerala Government. He was also the chairman of Kerala Congress and is currently its Deputy Chairman. Before entering Politics, he was a high school teacher at St. Berchmans Higher Secondary School Changancherry (1962-1980).[1][2]
Political career
Thomas entered politics in 1956 as an activist of KSU, the student wing of Indian National Congress. He joined Kerala Congress in 1964 and is a founder member of the party. He was elected to Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1980, 1982, 1987, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016. He represents the Changanassery constituency to which he was elected for eighth successive terms.
Thomas was a minister in the previous UDF government in the A K Antony Ministry and held the portfolios for Registration, Rural Development, Khadi and Village Industries. He is well respected for his humility and simple lifestyle.
References
- ↑ "Tight fight in Kottayam district". Hinduonnet.com. 2001-05-06. Retrieved 2010-01-24.
- ↑ "Installation of Corepiscopoi held". The Hindu. 2007-01-14. Retrieved 2010-01-24.
Started political activities while a student. Joined Indian National Congress and then became Vice-President of Changanassery Town (West) Mandalam. Joined Kerala Congress on its formation and served as Secretary and President of Changanassery Constituency; District Secretary, Kottayam; Member, State Executive Committee. Worked as General Secretary and Chairman of Kerala Congress (M).
Was the General Secretary of Kerala Catholic Students League (K.C.S.L.). Was Minister for Rural Development, Registration, Khadi and Village Industries during XI K.L.A.
Owing to the amalgamation of the three groups of Kerala Congress, serving as its Deputy Chairman.