"Irreparable loss to Congress party": KC Venugopal mourns death of former MP KP Dhanapalan
Kochi, May 31
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal on Sunday described the passing of senior Congress leader and former MP KP Dhanapalan as an "irreparable loss" to the party.
He noted that his passing was not only a major loss for the party but also a personal loss for many colleagues who shared a close bond with him.
KP Dhanapalan passed away on Saturday (May 30) at Paravur in Kochi, Kerala. He was 76 years old.
Speaking to the reporters, Venugopal said, "KP Dhanapalan was the owner of a great personality that the Congress Party can uphold forever. Dhanapalan's death is an irreparable loss to the Congress party. More than that, he was a close friend of all of us personally."
He further described Dhanapalan as someone who treated the party as an emotion and remained deeply committed to it throughout his life, despite facing several hardships.
"Dhanapalan was a person who always saw the party as an emotion from the heart. At many stages, he had gone through difficult experiences. Without keeping any of those difficulties in his mind, Dhanapalan was a person who upheld the emotion called 'the party'," he further said.
Further, Keralam Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Chennithala also expressed deep grief over the passing of KP Dhanapalan, describing it as a personal and political loss.
He remembered him as a dedicated MP from Chalakudy and a former DCC president, highlighting his calm and gentle nature while offering condolences to the bereaved family.
In a post on X, Chennithala wrote, "Deeply saddened by the passing of K.P. Dhanapalan. Our deep political friendship dates back to our KSU & Youth Congress days. As a colleague during my tenure as KPCC President, his support was invaluable. A dedicated MP from Chalakudy & DCC President, his calm and gentle nature will always be remembered. A profound personal loss. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Prayers."
— ANI
Reader Comments
KC Venugopal's words are heartfelt. It's rare to see such emotional tributes in politics today. Dhanapalan ji seems to have been a true gentleman—calm, dedicated, and always putting the party first. Our politics needs more such humble souls. Sad day for Kerala Congress.
May his soul rest in peace. Even as an outsider to Indian politics, it's touching to see leaders speak so warmly about a colleague. The unity and respect in Congress during such times is commendable. Condolences to his family and all who knew him. 🙏
Very sad news. Dhanapalan ji was a familiar face from Chalakudy—always approachable and soft-spoken. But I can't help feeling that the Congress party today needs more institutional memory and less infighting. His passing should remind us of the values of loyalty and service he embodied. Hope the party learns from his life.
Another giant from Kerala's Congress legacy leaves us. KP Dhanapalan's journey from KSU to MP shows how grassroots leaders built this party. Venugopal's tribute about seeing the party as an emotion really hits home—that's the old Congress culture we often miss. Deepest condolences to his family. Kerala has lost a seasoned voice. 🕯️
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.