Thiruvananthapuram Jan 28 PTI Veteran journalist E Somanath passed away on Friday at a private hospital here family sources said He was 58 Somanath a well-known political and environmental reporter was undergoing treatment for brain hemorrhage at a private hospital here A veteran in political and Assembly reporting Somanath retired from Malayala Manorama a regional daily last year For over 30 years Somanath had reported the Kerala Assembly proceedings and his column Naduthalam was known for its sharp and witty account of the assembly proceedings the legislators and political parties Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan Speaker M B Rajesh and former opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala among others condoled the demise of the veteran journalist Vijayan recalled that Somanath who had been a journalist in the capital for more than two decades was an eminent journalist who excelled in Assembly reporting and his weekly columns Rajesh said Somanaths analysis on Assembly proceedings was very remarkable He was like a teacher guide to the young generation of journalists Its a known fact that he will be present throughout the session at the press gallery the Speaker said Chennithala said Somanath always upheld the dignity of journalism He gave a new dimension to Assembly reporting with his witty and engaging writing Chennithala said adding that he lost a good friend He is survived by his wife Radha and daughter Devaki PTI RRT RRT SS SS