Did Congress Leader & Ex-Kerala Minister P.P. Thankachen Pass Away at 84?
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Synopsis
The political landscape in Kerala mourns the passing of veteran Congress leader P.P. Thankachen. A stalwart of the party and a champion of public service, his legacy spans decades of dedication and leadership. As tributes pour in, remember the profound impact he made in his community and the party.
Key Takeaways
- P.P. Thankachen was a prominent figure in Kerala politics.
- He held various key positions in the Congress party.
- His ability to mediate conflicts was widely acknowledged.
- He left a lasting impact on his community and political peers.
- Tributes reflect his dedication to public service.
Kochi, Sep 11 (NationPress) Distinguished Congress leader and four-time legislator P.P. Thankachen passed away at a private hospital near Kochi on Thursday evening.
He was 84 years old and had been receiving treatment for age-related health issues for several weeks.
Thankachen, who was a lawyer by profession, embarked on his public service journey early in life, steadily climbing the ranks within the Congress party.
At the youthful age of 26, he assumed the role of municipality chairman, marking the commencement of an extensive political career.
Over the years, he held numerous significant positions in the state, including Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, Agriculture Minister in the A.K. Antony cabinet, KPCC President, and Convenor of the Congress-led UDF for a remarkable 14 years.
He was viewed as one of the party's most capable mediators during intense factional conflicts between K. Karunakaran and A.K. Antony, maintaining steadfast loyalty to Karunakaran.
Messages of condolences flooded in from all corners of the political landscape.
Kerala Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar expressed his sympathies to Thankachen's grieving family.
In a post on X, he remarked that Thankachen dedicated his life to public service as a Speaker, Minister, and KPCC President, leaving behind a legacy of gratitude.
Former Chief Minister A.K. Antony expressed deep sorrow, reminiscing about a friendship that lasted six decades.
"Our journey began in the Youth Congress. More than just political colleagues, we were close friends. Even amidst factional differences, he remained calm and soft-spoken. I've lost yet another long-time ally," Antony shared.
AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal characterized Thankachen's passing as a significant loss for the party, emphasizing his adeptness in managing internal conflicts and fostering unity among UDF allies.
"In every position he held, he consistently prioritized the party's welfare over his own," Venugopal noted.
State Congress President Sunny Joseph remembered him as a guiding figure.
"During his tenure as KPCC president, I was the Kannur district president. He opted for a political career over a judicial one, despite passing the Munsiff examination. We have lost a mentor," Joseph reflected.
Thankachen's wife preceded him in death. He is survived by three children.
The final rites are scheduled to take place on Saturday in his hometown of Perumbavoor.
Point of View
I recognize the profound impact P.P. Thankachen had on Kerala's political landscape. His dedication to public service and ability to foster unity within the Congress party showcased his leadership qualities. His passing marks a significant loss, not only for his family and friends but also for the political community that he served faithfully.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were P.P. Thankachen's significant contributions to Kerala politics?
P.P. Thankachen served as Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, Agriculture Minister, and KPCC President. He played a key role in uniting factions within the Congress party and was a mentor to many younger politicians.
When did P.P. Thankachen pass away?
P.P. Thankachen passed away on September 11 at a private hospital near Kochi.
What is the legacy of P.P. Thankachen?
His legacy includes decades of public service, leadership within the Congress party, and his ability to manage internal party disputes, making him a respected figure in Kerala politics.
