Rahul Gandhi visits Kerala to pay homage to Sonia Gandhi's personal secretary

Sonia Gandhi’s long-time private secretary P.P. Madhavan was quite close to the Gandhi family

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, paid his final respects to P.P. Madhavan, Sonia Gandhi’s long-time personal secretary, at his residence at Thaikkattussery, near Ollur, Thrissur, Kerala, on Tuesday (December 17, 2024).

Fondly called ‘Madhavan uncle’, by Mr. Gandhi and his sister and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Madhavan was quite close to the Gandhi family. He passed away on Monday at Delhi’s AIIMS hospital. His body was brought from Delhi to his home in Ollur.

Mr. Gandhi arrived at Madhavan’s residence from a private hotel in Thrissur around 9:30 am. He spent an hour speaking with Madhavan’s family and paid his tributes to the departed soul. Later, Mr. Gandhi headed to Nedumbassery and from there, he was to travel to Delhi.

Heavy security arrangements were in place when Mr. Gandhi arrived at Thaikkattussery, with police deployed along the route from Thrissur. Key figures such as Kerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, MLA K. K. Ramachandran, senior Congress leaders Ramesh Chennithala and V. M. Sudheeran, AICC general secretary (oragnisation) K.C. Venugopal, Thrissur Mayor M. K. Varghese, and Congress district leaders such as Joes Vallur, M. P. Vincent, Joseph Tajit, and former MP Ramya Haridas were among those who arrived to offer their final respects.

Years ago, Mr. Gandhi had visited Thrissur along with Ms. Vadra to attend Madhavan’s son’s wedding. Madhavan had known Rahul and Priyanka since childhood.

Madhavan, who had maintained a close bond with the Nehru-Gandhi family, was fondly regarded by the current MPs.

Published - December 17, 2024 01:59 pm IST