The political fraternity in Kerala was shaken by the demise of K.P. Unnikrishnan on Tuesday. At 89, the former Union Minister and record six-time representative from Vadakara bid farewell, concluding a journey marked by electoral dominance and ministerial gravitas.
From his birthplace on the Malabar coast on September 20, 1936, son of E. Kunhikannan Nair, Unnikrishnan built an academic foundation at Madras Christian College, culminating in a law degree. Journalism beckoned first, with contributions to Mathrubhumi as a special correspondent, before politics claimed him fully.
Socialist roots in the 1960s evolved into Congress membership by 1962. Congress’s bet on him in 1971 from Vadakara paid off handsomely, with re-elections in 1977, 1980, 1984, 1989, and 1991 cementing his bond with voters. Party switches—to Congress (U) in 1980 and Indian Congress (Socialist) in 1984—didn’t derail his base until the 1996 setback.
In Parliament, he chaired Congress (Secular) from 1981-1984 and sat on the Public Accounts Committee (1980-1982). His ministerial stint (1989-90) under V.P. Singh covered key sectors, notably aiding expatriates during the Gulf crisis.
Post-retirement, life in New Delhi and Pannyankara, Kozhikode, revolved around scholarly pursuits. Unnikrishnan’s career exemplifies resilience and public service, leaving an indelible mark on Kerala’s congressional history.