Karunakaran a tall leader of Congress: Krishna

NEW DELHI - External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna Thursday expressed grief at the death of “good friend and colleague” veteran Congress leader K. Karunakaran and praised his role in bringing about socio-economic development in Kerala.

“I am deeply pained to learn of the demise of Mr. K Karunakaran, my good friend and colleague for so many decades. A political stalwart and tall leader of the Congress party, he served the nation with distinction and acumen, said Krishna, also a former chief minister of Karnataka.

“During his several innings as chief minister of Kerala, he was instrumental in bringing about rapid socio-economic development of the state, he said. I convey my heartfelt condolences to members of his family and friends as well as the people of Kerala, he added.

The 92-year-old Karunakaran, who was four times chief minister of Kerala, died in a hospital at Thiruvananthapuram.