K P Unnikrishnan: Bofors and Baghdad among his most defining moments

KOZHIKODE: Former Union minister K P Unnikrishnan was one of Kerala's tallest national figures, a parliamentarian at the centre of some of India's defining political moments. Few leaders from the state commanded the authority, intellectual weight and combative eloquence that he brought to the Lok Sabha. He carved a distinct identity as a relentless parliamentary crusader and a statesman capable of quiet-yet-decisive diplomacy.

One dramatic chapter of his career came during Bofors controversy. Unnikrishnan travelled to Sweden, where a former diplomat shared crucial information about the controversial arms deal. Armed with documents, he returned to India and raised the issue in Parliament, linking Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi to the scandal.


Recalling the episode later, he said the disclosures stunned PM Rajiv Gandhi. "Some Congress friends met me outside Parliament and asked where I got this information. What I placed before the House were documents pointing to Quattrocchi," he wrote in his biography. He had earlier flagged irregularities in Parliament involving some fertilizer companies linked to Quattrocchi.

The incident created a personal rift between Rajiv and Unnikrishnan. Along with TDP's C Madhava Reddy, he moved a no-confidence motion against Rajiv in Parliament. The debate on Dec 10, 1987 saw sharp exchanges, underscoring his standing as one of the most-formidable opposition voices of the 80s and 90s.

During the Gulf crisis in 1990, he sought urgent intervention as many trapped Indians were from Kerala. When govt raised concerns about cost and security, he told the PM he would have no reason to stay in the cabinet if Centre could not bring its citizens home safely. He was tasked with leading the mission

Unnikrishnan flew to Baghdad, travelled in multiple helicopters and was blindfolded before meeting Iraqi president Saddam Hussein at a secure location. During the hour-long meeting, Hussein agreed to evacuate Indians via Jordan using only Indian aircraft. He also held discussions with King Hussein of Jordan, who assured full cooperation.

The operation became the largest civilian airlift in history: over 1.5 lakh Indians were evacuated from Kuwait and Iraq to Mumbai in 488 flights over 59 days. Special trains carried returnees, including thousands of Keralites, to their homes.

The mission became a defining example of political resolve and diplomatic negotiation. Unnikrishnan was a voracious reader and intellectual. He rented a home near his ancestral residence to store his vast personal library, much of it transported from Delhi by truck.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !