Rahul Gandhi Pays Final Respects to Sonia Gandhi's Long-Time Secretary P.P. Madhavan

Thrissur, Kerala, December 17, 2024 – Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, also the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, visited Thaikkattussery, near Ollur in Thrissur, Kerala, on Tuesday to pay his final respects to P.P. Madhavan, the long-time personal secretary of Sonia Gandhi. Madhavan, who passed away on Monday at AIIMS in Delhi, had a close relationship with the Gandhi family, and was affectionately known as ‘Madhavan uncle’ by both Rahul and his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

The body of Madhavan was brought to his residence at Ollur from Delhi, where it was received by family and close associates. Rahul Gandhi arrived at around 9:30 a.m., having traveled from a private hotel in Thrissur, and spent about an hour with Madhavan’s family, offering his tributes. Following the visit, Gandhi continued his journey to Nedumbassery, from where he was scheduled to return to Delhi.

Madhavan had been a trusted aide of Sonia Gandhi for many years and was well-known within Congress circles for his close association with the family. The late secretary had been part of significant family events over the years, including accompanying Rahul and Priyanka during their childhood. Several years ago, Rahul and Priyanka had visited Thrissur to attend Madhavan’s son’s wedding, underscoring the deep bond shared between the family and the loyal aide.

In light of the high-profile visit, extensive security arrangements were made by local authorities, with police personnel deployed along the route from Thrissur to Madhavan’s residence. A number of prominent figures from Kerala’s political scene, including Kerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, MLA K. K. Ramachandran, and senior Congress leaders such as Ramesh Chennithala, V. M. Sudheeran, K.C. Venugopal, and Thrissur Mayor M. K. Varghese, also attended the occasion to offer their condolences.

Local Congress district leaders, including Jose Vallur, M. P. Vincent, Joseph Tajet, and former MP Ramya Haridas, were also present to pay their respects to Madhavan, who had been a revered figure within the Congress party.

Madhavan’s passing marks the loss of a figure who had been more than just a personal secretary to the Gandhi family; he was a trusted confidant and a key member of their inner circle for decades. His commitment and service to the family have left a lasting impact on those who knew him, including many of the current Congress MPs who fondly remember him as a devoted aide and family friend.

As Rahul Gandhi concluded his visit, it was clear that P.P. Madhavan’s legacy would continue to resonate within the Congress party, a testament to his years of loyalty and service to the Nehru-Gandhi family.