Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 15 (PTI) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday condoled the death of freedom fighter and veteran Marxist leader N Sankaraiah and described him as a guiding force of the Communist movement in the country and a perennial source of inspiration for everyone.

Sankaraiah died in Chennai on Wednesday following illness, CPI(M) sources said. He was 102.

In a message, Vijayan said Sankaraiah's leadership style was selfless and historical and it was a motivation to work even in the most difficult times.

Noting that the veteran Marxist leader's life spanning more than a century is synonymous with modern India's history, the CM termed his demise as 'very sad' and an 'irreparable loss.' State Finance Minister K N Balagopal also expressed grief over the demise of the veteran leader and said Sankaraiah's life was a model worth emulating for every Communist. PTI LGK SS