Daijiworld Media Network - Aluva
Aluva, Sep 11: Veteran Congress leader and former Kerala Assembly Speaker P P Thankachan passed away on Thursday at a private hospital in Aluva. He was 86.
Thankachan, who had been under treatment for age-related ailments and a chest infection for the past month, was on ventilator support and breathed his last around 4.30 pm, hospital authorities said.
Born in Angamaly on July 29, 1939, Thankachan began his political journey through the Congress, becoming chairman of the Perumbavoor Municipal Council at 26. Elected to the Kerala Assembly from Perumbavoor in 1982, he represented the constituency until 2001. He served as Opposition Chief Whip from 1987 to 1991, Agriculture Minister from May 1995 to 1996, and KPCC president in 2004. He also held roles as UDF Convenor, member of the Rubber Board, and chairman of Kerala Marketfed.
He is survived by his wife T V Thankamma and three children. Funeral details will be announced later.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described Thankachan as a grassroots leader known for his calm demeanor who left a distinct mark in every role he held. Former Defence Minister A K Antony called him a close friend and “model political leader,” while Opposition Leader V D Satheesan said Thankachan’s guidance was invaluable.
UDF Convenor Adoor Prakash and KPCC president Sunny Joseph also hailed his immense contribution to strengthening the Congress in Ernakulam. Leaders across parties, including Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, and CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan, expressed condolences on his demise.