Autobiography of KV Thomas opens up on Karunakaran-Gandhi family rift

Kochi: A revelation has emerged that former Chief Minister K Karunakaran’s daughter Padmaja Venugopal was behind the growing rift between Karunakaran and the Gandhi family, especially Sonia Gandhi. This appears in Kumbalangi Muthal Chenkotta Vare, the autobiography of K V Thomas.

According to the book, the main reason behind the fallout was Karunakaran’s insistence on fielding Padmaja Venugopal as a candidate in the 2001 Assembly elections. KV Thomas reportedly conveyed this demand to Sonia Gandhi on Karunakaran’s behalf. However, Sonia is said to have responded by asking, “Why are you trying to bring Padmaja into politics through the backdoor?” The book claims this marked the beginning of the worsening relationship between the two leaders.

The autobiography also states that Sonia Gandhi was not keen on appointing K Muraleedharan as the KPCC president in 2001. However, she agreed in the interest of ensuring the smooth functioning of the UDF government. Karunakaran’s decision to field Kodoth Govindan Nair as a Rajya Sabha candidate against the wishes of the Congress high command further widened the gap between him and Sonia Gandhi, the book says, adding that the distance was never bridged later.

KV Thomas also recalls that during AK Antony’s tenure as Chief Minister, Congress ministers would often visit Karunakaran’s residence with official files before cabinet meetings. He writes that he strongly opposed the practice, considering it unethical in political terms, and had even informed Karunakaran that he was prepared to resign over the issue if necessary.

The book further touches upon the strained relationship between former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao and Karunakaran. According to KV Thomas, Karunakaran never addressed Narasimha Rao as “PM” or even by his full name, referring to him only as “PV.” This reportedly caused considerable discomfort to Narasimha Rao.

KV Thomas, who was closely associated with Congress politics for nearly four decades, is currently aligned with the Left camp. His autobiography also includes his views on issues such as the French espionage case.