Leaders across political lines paid tributes to senior Congress leader and former Union minister KP Unnikrishnan, who passed away here on Tuesday morning (March 3).
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, wrote on Facebook: “Deeply saddened by the passing away of KP Unnikrishnan, senior Congress leader and former Union Minister. He dedicated his life to public service with dedication and integrity. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the people of Kerala. He will be remembered fondly.”
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a statement that Mr. Unnikrishnan was a staunch spokesman for secular politics who sought to preserve Nehruvian values in the Congress party. Mr. Vijayan said that Mr. Unnikrishnan was also against the Hindutva politics of the Sangh Parivar and recalled his election victory from Vadakara in 1991 against a joint Congress-BJP candidate.
VD Satheesan, Leader of the Opposition, said Mr. Unnikrishnan was always associated with the socialist school of thought, who was also a noted journalist, orator and writer.
MV Govindan, state secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), said Mr. Unnikrishnan played a key role in evacuating 1.5 million Indians during the Gulf War when he was a Union minister. His demise comes at a time when West Asia is once again in the grip of tension. Mr Govindan said Indian rulers should emulate his work.
Sunny Joseph, president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, said that Mr. Unnikrishnan had focused on the development of Malabar during his tenure as Union minister. He put his rich journalistic experience to good use when he entered Parliament as a Lok Sabha MP, Mr. Joseph added.
Published – 03 March 2026 21:12 IST
