Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 27 (IANS) The Kerala assembly wound up its winter session Monday after political leaders cutting across party affiliations paid glowing tributes to the four-time Congress chief minister K. Karunakaran who died last Thursday.
Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan remembered his long time political adversary as one who rose from the ranks of an ordinary trade union worker to become one of the biggest political personalities in Kerala.
‘Karunakaran’s death is an irreparable loss because he was a great leader and an able administrator with a huge following that crossed party affiliations,’ said Achuthanandan.
Achuthanandan’s case against Karunakaran in the palmoil import scam is still pending in the Supreme Court. Central Vigilance Commissioner P.J. Thomas is also an accused in the case.
Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan recalled how the veteran leader maintained excellent personal rapport with communist leaders despite his strong anti-communist political stand.
‘He will be long remembered for his initiative in launching and developing the now popular Kochi International airport. Also, the way Karunakaran handled complex issues of the various communities, caste and creed is noteworthy. He was a true leader in all respects,’ said Balakrishnan.
Leader of Opposition and former Congress chief minister Oommen Chandy described Karunakaran as a practical and pragmatic politician.
‘By all means, his was an era that will always be remembered and one which cannot be replaced. The manner in which he deftly handled the Maoists menace in the early ’70s in the state was responsible for the complete wipeout of the rebels,’ Chandy said.
For four decades, the party in the state revolved around him and that was more than visible in the manner in which the people gave him a befitting farewell,’ he added.
Communist Party of India (CPI) leader in the assembly and the state Food Minister C. Divakaran said it was Karunakaran who should be credited for successfully implementing the principle of coalition politics.
‘What he did in the seventies has now become part of the institution of coalition politics in the country. I was fortunate to be involved with him when he was the home minister under my leader C. Achutha Menon and the manner in which he handled issues, irrespective of whether one belonged to the ruling party or the opposition, is something worth emulating,’ said Divakaran.
The house adjourned for the day after all the leaders representing various parties spoke on the departed leader.
