Aluva: Veteran Congress leader and former Kerala Agriculture Minister PP Thankachan passed away on Thursday in Aluva. He had been undergoing treatment for age-related illnesses and breathed his last around 4:30 pm.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the demise and remembered Thankachan as a person who stood out in public life as a gentle and calm personality.

"He was a person who rose step by step from the grassroots level to the state leadership. Without ever being embroiled in controversies, he stood out in public life as a gentle and calm personality. In every position he held, he left a distinct mark," Vijayan said in a statement.

"As a minister and assembly speaker, he was able to keep everyone together and move forward. Thankachan, who worked for a long time as the KPCC president and UDF convener, was a person who was friendly to everyone. I share the grief of his family members and colleagues," the Chief Minister said.

A prominent figure in Kerala politics, Thankachan held several key positions during his long political career. He served as the Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly from 1991 to 1995 and later became the Minister for Agriculture in the A. K. Antony-led government from May 1995 to May 1996.

Thankachan was the convenor of the United Democratic Front (UDF) for 13 years, where he played a crucial role in coordinating the activities of constituent parties within the alliance. Known for his diplomatic skills and ability to bring together diverse political voices, he was widely respected across party lines.

Thankachan also served as the President of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly four times, representing the Perumbavoor constituency from 1982 to 1996.