He was 76.
Dhanapalan was rushed to the hospital in the early hours after he developed uneasiness, but died while undergoing treatment, sources said.
A prominent Congress leader from Ernakulam district, Dhanapalan was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Chalakudy constituency in 2009. He contested from Thrissur in the 2014 parliamentary elections, but lost.
During his years-long political career, he had also served as a councillor of the North Paravur municipality, chairman of Milma and a member of the board of directors of local Gramin Bank.
Dhanapalan was regarded as a close associate of former Defence Minister A K Antony.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan condoled his demise and recalled his contributions to the Congress and public life.”His gentle approach, calm demeanour and fighting spirit that never weakened even in difficult situations defined K P Dhanapalan. He was a committed Congressman and a political personality who never caused pain to the party even through a single word,” Satheesan said.
He described Dhanapalan as one of the principal faces of the Congress in Ernakulam district and said party workers and leaders could always approach him for guidance and solutions.
The CM further said Dhanapalan left a distinct mark in parliamentary politics and that his demise was a personal loss.
“I have lost an elder brother. He stood by me as a source of strength during every challenging phase,” Satheesan added in his condolence message.
