Thiruvananthapuram: Former minister and founding leader of the Kerala Congress and R Balakrishna Pillai passed away today. He was 87.

Pillai, who had been admitted to a private hospital in Kottarakkara with breathing difficulties, was shifted to a hospital after his condition worsened on Friday. His end came today morning.

One of the founders of the Kerala Congress, Pillai became an MLA when he was just 25. Later, he played an important part in forming the UDF alliance in Kerala and served as minister of transport, excise and power.

Born in a wealthy family in Kottarakkara, Pillai entered politics during his student days. He was a member of the Students Federation before joining the Congress.