Veteran Politician and Former Union Minister K P Unnikrishnan Dies at 90
KOZHIKODE, Mar 03 : Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister K P Unnikrishnan passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 90. The veteran parliamentarian had been receiving treatment for age related health issues at a private hospital in Kozhikode.
A Stalwart of Kerala Politics
Unnikrishnan’s demise marks the end of an era for Kerala, bidding farewell to a leader from a generation that regarded Parliament as a forum for ideological debate rather than just political arithmetic. His career reflected conviction, independence, and the evolving dynamics of post-Independence Indian politics.
Political Journey Rooted in Principles
Starting his career with the Socialist Party, Unnikrishnan joined the Congress in 1960 and became a member of the All India Congress Committee in 1962. He was first elected to the Lok Sabha from Vadakara in 1971 and represented the constituency multiple times — 1977, 1980, 1984, 1989, and 1991 building a strong personal following that often transcended party lines.
Although closely associated with the Congress, he remained committed to socialist ideals inspired by Jawaharlal Nehru. While once close to Indira Gandhi, he openly opposed the Emergency in 1975, a rare display of dissent within the party at the time.
Independent Stance and Electoral Success
Political shifts during the late 1970s and 1980s saw Unnikrishnan join Congress (U) and Congress (S), eventually contesting elections with Left Front support from 1980 onward. His victories, particularly in 1984 amid a nationwide sympathy wave for Rajiv Gandhi, highlighted his individual appeal and political acumen.
In Parliament, he earned recognition for articulate and forceful interventions. He served in the Union Cabinet under V P Singh from 1989 to 1990, overseeing Telecommunications, Shipping, and Transport portfolios.
Defining Moments and Legacy
The 1991 Lok Sabha election from Vadakara became a landmark in Kerala politics, with an unusual coalition of Congress, IUML, and BJP backing an independent against him. Despite this, Unnikrishnan retained his seat with a margin of 17,489 votes, cementing his reputation as a formidable and independent-minded leader.
He rejoined Congress in 1995 but lost the 1996 election to CPM candidate O Bharathan. Following this, he gradually withdrew from active politics, spending his later years quietly in Kozhikode.
Political analysts note that Kerala has lost a seasoned parliamentarian whose career was defined by ideological commitment, independence of thought, and the courage to stand apart when principles demanded it.
