"Karthikeyan's untimely demise is an irreparable loss, not only for his party, but for entire Kerala. In politics, he would have soared greater heights if he lived longer," Ahamed said from Dubai.
Recalling the services of Karthikeyan as a long-term legislator, minister and Speaker of the Assembly, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader said he stood apart on account of his ability to build and preserve friendship across political divides.
"Karthikeyan was known for his firm commitment to party and strong stands on political and organisational issues. But on a personal level, he had been able to cultivate friendship across all barriers," he said.