Thrissur (Kerala): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived here on Tuesday morning to pay homage to P. P. Madhavan, a long-time aide of the Gandhi family and personal secretary to Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

The 73-year-old Madhavan passed away in Delhi after suffering a heart attack on Monday.

Later, his body was brought here.

Madhavan, a former central government employee, has been with the Gandhi family since Indira Gandhi chose him in the 1980s. In 1984, Rajiv Gandhi became the PM, and Madhavan continued to be with him. Later, he became Sonia Gandhi’s closest aide.

Meanwhile, AICC general secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi paid her homage to Madhavan at the AIIMS Delhi, where he passed away.

On Tuesday morning, Rahul and AICC general secretary (organisation) K. C. Venugopal visited Madhavan’s home and paid their homage.

Alappuzha MP Venugopal said Madhavan will always be remembered for his commitment and dedication towards the Congress.

Venugopal said: “It is with deep sorrow and pain that we announce the tragic demise of P P Madhavan ji, a long-term personal aide to CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. He served the party selflessly for decades, including with Rajiv Gandhi ji, and will always be remembered for his service and dedication.”

Incidentally, Madhavan was the link between Congress leaders and Sonia Gandhi; hence, he had a close relationship with all national Congress leaders and knew all their moves.

For Congress leaders from Kerala, Madhavan was the crucial link to their meeting with Sonia and other members of the Gandhi family.

The last rites of the Madhavan will be held at his family home here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

–IANS