KP Unnikrishnan, former Union minister and veteran Congress leader, passed away at a private hospital in Kozhikode on Monday. He was 90. According to family sources, he died while undergoing treatment for age-related ailments.
A towering figure in Kerala’s political landscape, Unnikrishnan left a lasting imprint on national politics. He is widely remembered for representing the Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency for a record six consecutive terms from 1971 to 1991 — an achievement that underscored his enduring grassroots appeal.
His electoral journey began in 1971 when he contested as a Congress candidate with the backing of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Over the next two decades, he maintained an unbroken winning streak, securing victories under different political banners, including Congress, Congress (U), and Indian Congress (Socialist). In 1989 and 1991, he retained the seat with Left support. His historic run came to an end in the 1996 general elections when he was defeated by CPI(M) candidate O Bharathan.
At the national level, Unnikrishnan served as Cabinet Minister for Surface Transport and Communications in the government led by V. P. Singh between 1989 and 1990. During his tenure, he played a key role in coordinating the large-scale evacuation of Indians stranded in Kuwait during the Gulf War — one of the most significant rescue operations undertaken by India at the time.
Known for his sharp parliamentary interventions, Unnikrishnan brought national attention to several major controversies during the tenure of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, including the fertiliser scam and the Bofors scandal.
Before entering active politics, Unnikrishnan had a distinguished career in journalism. He worked with prominent publications such as Blitz, Shankar's Weekly, The Times of India, and Mathrubhumi in Bombay and Delhi. An articulate speaker and skilled diplomat, he represented India on various international platforms, including the United Nations.
Born on September 20, 1936, in Coimbatore into a politically active family, Unnikrishnan was drawn to socialist movements early in life. He pursued his education at Madras Christian College, Presidency College, and Madras Government Law College. After participating in student politics, he formally joined the Congress in 1960. He worked closely with VK Krishna Menon and later emerged as a trusted aide to Indira Gandhi. Ideological differences eventually led him into factional politics, where he served as general secretary of Congress (U) and Congress (S), before rejoining the parent Congress party in 1995.
Apart from his electoral contributions, Unnikrishnan served on several key parliamentary and administrative bodies, including the Coffee Board, the Central Small Industries Advisory Board, and the Public Accounts Committee.
After retiring from active public life, he spent his later years in New Delhi before returning to his ancestral home in Panniyankara, Kozhikode. He is survived by his wife, Amrita Unnikrishnan, and their two daughters.
Also read: Vijayan flays Telangana govt over demolition drive
Follow us
