Thiruvananthapuram: The late senior RSS Pracharak PP Mukundan received heartfelt tributes from a diverse array of leaders in Kerala. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan expressed his condolences and emphasized Mukundan's unwavering dedication to his beliefs. Khan noted that Mukundan's philosophy didn't hinder his ability to establish strong relationships with people from various ideological backgrounds.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praised PP Mukundan as an exemplary leader who demonstrated effective organizational work. Vijayan fondly recalled Mukundan's active and cooperative role in maintaining peace during conflicts in Kannur district. Despite significant differences of opinion, Mukundan successfully maintained positive relations with opposition parties and remained a dedicated and humble leader, serving as an inspiration to others.
Senior CPI leader and former minister C. Divakaran shared his admiration for Mukundan and even expressed a fondness for the RSS if it consisted of individuals like him. Divakaran recounted an incident involving Mukundan's gentle persuasion to allow an RSS Shakha on a plot owned by a CPI member, which left a lasting impression on Divakaran's family. Mukundan's impressive style reminded Divakaran of the earlier days when communist parties exhibited similar traits.
State President of the BJP, Surendran, lamented the irreplaceable loss Mukundan's demise brought to the party. Mukundan's respect and popularity extended beyond any formal positions or authority, as he was intimately familiar with the homes and families of ordinary party workers.
Sethumadavan, an RSS Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Sadasya, highlighted Mukundan's remarkable qualities. Other prominent figures, including former Union Minister O. Rajagopal, senior Congress leader MM Hassan, BJP leader K. Rama Pillai, Kerala Minister Antony Raju, and Communist Marxist Party General Secretary C.P. John, also paid their respects.
Advocate VV Rajesh, the BJP Thiruvananthapuram district president, paid tribute to Mukundan's legacy, underscoring the late leader's unparalleled public relations and personal connections. Mukundan was affectionately known as 'Mukundettan,' with "ettan" meaning elder brother in Malayalam. Even a former Chief Minister of Kerala once addressed him as 'Mukundettan,' despite the BJP's limited presence in the state assembly.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who shared a close relationship with PP Mukundan, acknowledged their parallel roles as BJP state organizing secretaries in their respective states, Gujarat and Kerala. Modi praised Mukundan for his simplicity, hard work, intelligence, and grassroots connections, noting his tireless efforts to strengthen the BJP in Kerala.
Vande Bharat's Grand Entry into Kerala: Timetable, Reservations, and Destinations, and More
New Vande Bharat Express Ready to Grace Kerala's Tracks