P T Chacko Comes Alive in Memories, Rich Tributes

P T Chacko Comes Alive in Memories, Rich Tributes

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Living alive in the memories of a generation for half a century after death and continuing as an inspiration for many in the state could be a rare phenomenon associated with a political leader.

The 50th commemoration meet of the late P T Chacko, veteran Congress leader and multi-faceted personality who had served in various capacities such as the Opposition Leader and a proven minister, once again brought out the bright chapters in his chequered political career and his sad end at a young age, while glowing tributes were bestowed upon his  memories here on Friday.

 Describing him as a versatile personality in Kerala politics, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who inaugurated the meet, said that the Land Reforms Act piloted by him, envisaging a ceiling for individual land holdings in the state, was a response to P T Chacko’s  studies, knowledge and aptitude to address a critical issue.

‘’Among the titles of a revered political leader, able parliamentarian and administrator, his name will stand out for ever as the architect of Land Reforms, which benefited the masses,’’ Chandy  said. ‘’It was mooted in a such a mould in 1963, when none in India could even think on those lines,’’ he noted. He also recalled the impression which Chacko had created upon him as a student, while observing him from a distance.

 The Chief Minister said that the contributions of Chacko to Kerala politics and  society is invaluable and a suggestion for a befitting memorial to him, will be considered positively by the government.  The Chief Minister released a compilation of  P T Chacko’s noted speeches, including those delivered in Parliament and Assembly, by handing over a copy to Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan. He also took the first shot of  a documentary in the making on the late leader.

In his keynote address, Achuthanandan didn’t hide his assessment that Chacko was one who had viewed Communists as his arch foes. ‘’His words and deeds always reflected it. He was the one who was in the forefront of the Liberation Struggle carried out to oust the first elected communist government. It was the landreforms initiated by the EMSGovernment which had infuriated Congressmen and land lords,’’ he said.

‘’But I’m notparochial enough to belittle P T Chacko’s contributions to Kerala society,’’ Achuthanandan said.

He also said that it may be poetic justice or could be termed as an act ofrepentance that P C Thomas, son of a virulent communist critic like P T Chacko, is now in the political fold of LDF with his wing of the Kerala Congress.

 Kerala Congress (M) supremo and Finance Minister K M Mani said that when a personis revered for his power or position and his memory fades into oblivion a few years after his death, P T Chacko is one who was stronger and memorised more after his death.

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