Veteran Congress Leader P P Thankachan Passes Away at 86
Ex-Kerala Speaker and minister remembered for decades of public service.
The Indian National Congress and the state of Kerala mourn the loss of P P Thankachan, a veteran leader and former Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, who passed away on Thursday at a private hospital in Aluva. Aged 86, Thankachan had been receiving treatment for age-related ailments complicated by a chest infection and was on ventilator support. He breathed his last at approximately 4:30 PM, as confirmed by hospital authorities.
Born on July 29, 1939, in Angamaly, Thankachan’s political journey began with the Congress party, where he quickly rose through the ranks. At 26, he became chairman of the Perumbavoor Municipal Council, showcasing early leadership. Elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly from Perumbavoor in 1982, he represented the constituency until 2001. His illustrious career included serving as Opposition Chief Whip (1987–1991), Agriculture Minister (1995–1996), and president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) in 2004. Additionally, he held significant roles as UDF Convenor, member of the Rubber Board, and chairman of Kerala Marketfed.
Thankachan’s calm demeanor and ability to foster unity earned him widespread respect. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, a veteran Marxist leader, lauded his rise from grassroots politics to prominent roles, noting his controversy-free career. “Thankachan left a distinct mark in every role he held and was able to bring people together during his tenure as Minister and Speaker,” Vijayan remarked.
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Former Defence Minister and Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony, a close friend since their student days in Ernakulam, described Thankachan as a model leader. He recalled Thankachan, alongside T H Mustafa and K G R Kartha, as the “Trimurti” of Perumbavoor’s political landscape, instrumental in strengthening Congress at the grassroots in Ernakulam. Antony highlighted Thankachan’s dedication as Agriculture Minister, addressing farmers’ issues with depth and pragmatism.
Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan expressed personal grief, calling Thankachan an elder brother whose guidance was invaluable. UDF Convenor Adoor Prakash remembered him as a father figure, commending his support for young politicians and his contributions to Congress in Ernakulam. KPCC president Sunny Joseph noted that Thankachan, despite qualifying as a Munsiff, chose public service, underscoring his commitment to the people.
Thankachan is survived by his wife, T V Thankamma, and three children. Funeral arrangements will be announced later. Leaders across political spectrums, including Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, and CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan, offered their condolences, reflecting Thankachan’s widespread influence.
The demise of P P Thankachan marks a profound loss for the Congress and Kerala’s political community, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, leadership, and dedication to public service.
