Congress Veteran K P Unnikrishnan Passes Away at 89 in Kozhikode
Senior Congress member K P Unnikrishnan, aged 89, known for his rare blend of ideological conviction and intellectual rigour, died at a private hospital early on Tuesday in Kozhikode. Unnikrishnan had been undergoing treatment for age-related ailments and is survived by his wife Amritha and daughters Sudhakshina and Niranjana.
Funeral Arrangements and Political Legacy
The funeral will be held in Kozhikode on Wednesday. Unnikrishnan represented the Vadakara constituency six consecutive times from 1971 to 1996, setting a record in Kerala for the longest tenure as an MP. He left behind a political career marked as one of Parliament's most articulate and combative opposition voices.
Ministerial Role and Gulf War Repatriation
During his tenure, Unnikrishnan served as minister for telecommunications, shipping, and surface transport in the V P Singh ministry from 1989 to 1990. A significant highlight of his career was overseeing the mass repatriation of 1.5 lakh Indians from war-torn Kuwait during the 1990 Gulf War, a feat that showcased his administrative prowess and commitment to public service.
Journalist-Turned-Politician Journey
Unnikrishnan began his career as a journalist, working as a reporter for the weekly tabloid Blitz in Mumbai (then Bombay). He joined the Congress in 1960 and became a member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in 1962. He quickly became an Indira Gandhi loyalist in the early 1960s and was first elected to the Lok Sabha from Vadakara in 1971, winning again in 1977.
Political Shifts and Opposition Stance
After the Emergency, Unnikrishnan broke ranks with the Congress due to differences with Sanjay Gandhi, resigning from the party in 1978. He continued his political journey by winning Lok Sabha elections as a member of Congress (U) and Congress (S) in 1980, 1984, 1989, and 1991, often as a Left Democratic Front (LDF)-backed candidate. In the 1984 Lok Sabha polls, following Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination, he was one of the three LDF candidates in Kerala to overcome the sympathy wave, demonstrating his resilience and voter appeal.
Critic of Congress During Bofors Scandal
During the Bofors scandal, Unnikrishnan emerged as an uncompromising critic of the Congress government, highlighting his principled stance against corruption and his dedication to holding power accountable. His career was characterized by a steadfast commitment to his beliefs, making him a respected figure across political lines.
