Former Union minister and veteran Communist leader Chaturanan Mishra passed away in New Delhi today following a massive heart attack. He

was 87.Mishra held many positions in the Communist Party of India and All India Trade Union Congress.

A freedom fighter, he participated in the Quit India movement. A three time member of Bihar Legislative Assembly from 1969 to 1980, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1984 and 1990 and to the Lok Sabha in 1996 from Madhubani constituency.

He was a cabinet minister for Agriculture in the United Front governments headed by H D Devegowda and I K Gujaral in 1996.

Condoling the death, CPI general secretary A B Bardhan said his demise is an irreparable loss to the party.