Kochi, Jan. 6 -- Former Kerala minister and senior Indian union Muslim League (IUML) leader V.K. Ebrahim Kunju passed away at a private hospital here today.

He was 73. He is survived by his wife Nadeera and three sons - Advocate V.E. Abdul Gaffoor, V.E. Abbas, and V.E. Anoop.

He had been undergoing treatment for a prolonged illness, including cancer-related complicationsA prominent and influential leader of the Muslim League in central Kerala, Ebrahim Kunju played a key role in shaping the party's organisational and electoral presence in the region for decades.

He was a four-time Member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, having represented the Mattancherry Assembly constituency in 2001 and 2006, and later the Kalamassery constituency in...