Describing Karunakaran as an “outstanding politicians in the country”, he said the former Chief Minister had a very colourful legislative career and was witness to the transition from colonial period to democratic polity.
“Karunakaran's contribution in making the state a modern one was not less and he also made his mark with his presence both in politics and legislative bodies, both as Opposition leader and Chief Minister,” the President said.
Mukherjee also recalled the days he had spent with him in the Congress Working Committee under the leadership of Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, P V Narasima Rao and Sonia Gandhi.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the government would consider the demand to rename Nedumabassery International Airport in Kochi after Karunakaran as the airport built under PPP model was the brainchild of the veteran politician.
Earlier, the President unveiled the statue at Kannakakunu Palace compound in the heart of the city and paid floral tribute to the ‘leader', as Karunakaran was called. Karunakaran's son and former KPCC Chief K Muraleedharan MLA, his daughter Padmaja Venugopal, Union Ministers Shashi Tharoor, Vayalar Ravi, Kodikunnil Suresh and KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala were among those present.
