K.P. Unnikrishnan, a distinguished former Union Minister and senior leader of the Indian National Congress, has passed away at the age of 89. He died in a hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala, after a prolonged illness. Unnikrishnan was a significant figure in Indian politics during the 1980s and 1990s, known for his long tenure as the Member of Parliament for Vadakara, where he served from 1971 to 1996. His political career was marked by his ability to navigate through various party affiliations, having represented three different factions of the Congress party.

Among his notable achievements, Unnikrishnan played a pivotal role during the Gulf War, leading the evacuation of over 150,000 Indians, primarily Keralites, from Kuwait. His negotiation with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein during this crisis is particularly remembered. Unnikrishnan also held the position of Union Minister for Telecommunications, Shipping, and Surface Transport in the V.P. Singh Cabinet, where he was known for his strong interventions in Parliament, especially during the Bofors scandal.

Born on September 20, 1936, in Coimbatore, his early involvement in politics was influenced by his family's legacy in the freedom struggle. Despite returning to the Congress in 1994, he faced defeat in the 1996 elections, marking the end of his parliamentary career. His contributions to Indian politics and his legacy as a socialist leader will be remembered.