List of Chief Ministers of Kerala (1957-2023)

Chief Ministers of Kerala: The Chief Ministers of Kerala have had a significant impact on the social and political landscape of this South Indian state. From E. M. S. Namboodiripad, the first Chief Minister who led the state’s first democratically elected government, to leaders like K. Karunakaran, A. K. Antony, and Oommen Chandy, each of them has left a lasting influence on Kerala’s development.

These Chief Ministers are known for their diverse policy approaches and dedication to the welfare of the state. They have successfully guided Kerala through various challenges and made important contributions to its progress and unique socio-cultural identity. Please read the following article to find out more.

List of Chief Ministers of Kerala

Article 164 of the Indian Constitution deals with the Governor’s role in appointing the Chief Minister and other Ministers. While the Governor has the official title of the state’s head, the real power rests with the Chief Minister, who essentially leads the state government.

After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, the monarchs of Travancore and Cochin set up a government led by a Prime Minister and a Council of Ministers. The states of Travancore and Cochin united on July 1, 1949, to become the state of Travancore – Cochin.

The Malabar District and Kasaragod region in South Canara, which make up more than half of present-day Kerala, were represented in the Madras Legislative Assembly.

On November 1, 1956, the States Reorganisation Act brought into existence what we now call Kerala, uniting the regions of Cochin, Malabar, and Travancore, along with the Kasaragod area in South Canara. Since then, twelve individuals have served as Chief Minister in the state.

List of Chief Ministers of Kerala From 1957-2023

Prospective candidates have the opportunity to view a comprehensive list of Chief Ministers of Kerala spanning the years 1957 to 2023 in the table provided below:

First Chief Minister of Kerala

The initial Chief Minister of Kerala was E. M. S. Namboodiripad, who held the position from March 6, 1967, to November 1, 1969. He was a notable figure in the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and played a pivotal role in establishing Kerala’s first elected government after it became a separate state in 1956. His time in office was a major milestone in Kerala’s political journey.

Current Chief Minister of Kerala

Pinarayi Vijayan, an Indian politician, has been serving as the Chief Minister of Kerala since May 25, 2016. He was born on March 21, 1944, in Pinarayi, Kannur district, to Shri Koran and Smt. Kalyani. After finishing his high school, he pursued further education at Government Brennen College in Thalassery, where he also completed his degree.

Pinarayi Vijayan’s journey into politics began through student union activities at Govt Brennen College in Thalassery. In 1964, he became a member of the Communist Party. During the emergency period from 1975 to 1977, he faced detention and torture by the authorities.

He is a part of the Polit Bureau of the Indian Communist Party (Marxist). Between 1998 and 2015, he held the position of Secretary of the Kerala State Committee of the CPI (M) in the Left Democratic Front Government under the leadership of Shri. E.K. Nayanar. From 1996 to 1998, he also served as the Minister for Power and Cooperation.

During his tenure, the state significantly increased its power generation capacity by successfully completing various enhancement and new projects. Veena and Vivek are his two children; he is wed to Kamala.

Pinarayi Vijayan was elected to the Kerala Assembly in 1996 from the Payyannur constituency, as well as from the Koothuparamba constituency in 1970, 1977, and 1991.

First Dalit Chief Minister of Kerala

Sankar, who became Kerala’s first Dalit Chief Minister, was a prominent leader dedicated to helping marginalized communities, especially the Scheduled Castes. He came from the Pulaya community, a historically oppressed Dalit group in Kerala. His rise to Chief Minister in 1962 was a pivotal moment for both him and Kerala’s social and political landscape.

During his time as Chief Minister, Sankar worked on policies to improve the socio-economic status, education, and healthcare of marginalized groups. His government introduced various programs to enhance the living conditions and opportunities for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the state.

One of his significant achievements was creating the Kerala Scheduled Castes Development Corporation (KSCDC), which supported socio-economic development through financial aid and other forms of assistance. Sankar’s focus on social justice and equal opportunities had a lasting impact on Kerala’s political awareness.

First Muslim Chief Minister of Kerala

Mohammed Koya’s historic appointment as first Muslim Chief Minister of Kerala marked a significant moment in the state’s political history. He was a respected member of the Indian Union Muslim League and known for championing the rights of minorities and social justice.

Although his time in office was brief, lasting only a few weeks, it symbolized Kerala’s dedication to inclusive governance and the inclusion of diverse communities in leadership roles.

During his short tenure, Mohammed Koya diligently addressed pressing issues and advocated for policies that benefited all sections of society. His leadership was characterized by a practical approach and a commitment to fostering unity among different communities.

Despite the shortness of his term, Koya’s legacy continues to inspire future leaders and serves as a reminder of Kerala’s commitment to secularism and diversity in its political landscape. His appointment opened doors for subsequent Muslim leaders to actively engage and hold prominent positions in Kerala’s political arena.

Chief Ministers of Kerala 2023 Important Facts

• Pinarayi Vijayan received the 2018 Gandhidarshan Award for Best Chief Minister.
• He was acknowledged by the Institute of Human Virology for his effective management of the 2018 Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala.
• M. S. Namboodiripad was Kerala’s first Chief Minister.
• K. Nayanar holds the record for the longest tenure as Kerala’s Chief Minister, serving for 10 years and 353 days.

Chief Ministers of Kerala FAQs

Who was the first Chief Minister of Kerala?

The first Chief Minister of Kerala was E. M. S. Namboodiripad, who served from April 5, 1957, to July 31, 1959.

Who is the current Chief Minister of Kerala?

As of the provided information (up to 2023), Pinarayi Vijayan was serving as the Chief Minister of Kerala.

Who is the longest-serving Chief Minister of Kerala?

K. Nayanar holds the record for serving the longest tenure as Kerala's Chief Minister, having served for a total of 10 years and 353 days.

Who is the first Dalit Chief Minister of Kerala?

R. Sankar was the first Dalit Chief Minister of Kerala. He served as Chief Minister from September 26, 1962, to September 10, 1964.

Who is the first Muslim Chief Minister of Kerala?

C. H. Mohammed Koya became the first Muslim Chief Minister of Kerala. His term was brief, from October 12, 1979, to December 1, 1979.