Categories: General Studies

List of Former Chief Ministers of Kerala (1956-2024)

Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” has a rich political history marked by a succession of prominent leaders who have held the position of Chief Minister. Over the decades, these leaders have played a pivotal role in shaping the socio-economic and political landscape of the state. Here is a comprehensive list of former Chief Ministers who have contributed significantly to the development and progress of Kerala.

Chief Ministers of Kerala

Kerala, established on November 1, 1956, through the States Reorganisation Act, emerged by amalgamating Cochin, Malabar, Travancore, and the Kasaragod region of South Canara. Initially under governor rule, E. M. S. Namboodiripad of the Communist Party of India became the first Chief Minister in 1957. Presently, Pinarayi Vijayan holds the position since 2016. Kerala witnessed 12 Chief Ministers with intermittent periods of President’s rule. The predominant ruling parties have been the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Indian National Congress.

First Chief Minister of Kerala

E. M. S. Namboodiripad, representing the Communist Party of India, assumed office as Kerala’s inaugural Chief Minister in 1957. His leadership marked the commencement of Kerala’s political journey, following the state’s formation through the merging of various princely states and regions under the States Reorganisation Act.

Current Chief Minister of Kerala

Pinarayi Vijayan has been serving as the Chief Minister of Kerala since 2016. Throughout his tenure, Vijayan has spearheaded initiatives aimed at fostering development, ensuring social equity, and promoting sustainable governance practices. Under his leadership, Kerala continues to navigate challenges while striving for comprehensive growth and prosperity across the state.

Longest Serving Chief Minister of Kerala

E.K. Nayanar holds the distinction of being Kerala’s longest-serving Chief Minister, with an impressive tenure of nearly 11 years in office. Known for his astute leadership and commitment to public service, Nayanar’s tenure was marked by significant contributions to the state’s development and welfare initiatives.

Shortest Serving Chief Minister of Kerala

C. H. Mohammed Koya holds the record for the shortest tenure as Chief Minister of Kerala, serving for a mere 53 days. Despite the brevity of his time in office, Koya’s leadership left an impact on the state’s political landscape. His brief tenure underscores the volatility of Kerala’s political environment during that period.

List of Former Chief Ministers of Kerala (1956-2024)

Kerala witnessed 12 Chief Ministers with intermittent periods of President’s rule. The predominant ruling parties have been the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Indian National Congress.

Here is the complete list of former Chief Ministers of Kerala from 1956 to 2024:

Former Chief Ministers of Kerala (1956-2024)
S. No. Name From To
1. President’s Rule 01 Nov 1956 05 Apr 1957
2. E.M.S. Namboodiripad 05 Apr 1957 31 Jul 1959
3. President’s rule 31 Jul 1959 22 Feb 1960
4. Pattom A. Thanu Pillai 22 Feb 1960 26 Sep 1962
5. R. Sankar 26 Sep 1962 10 Sep 1964
6. President’s Rule 10 Sep 1964 25 Mar 1965
7. President’s Rule 25 Mar 1965 06 Mar 1967
8. E.M.S. Namboodiripad 06 Mar 1965 01 Nov 1969
9. C. Achutha Menon 01 Nov 1969 01 Aug 1970
10. President’s Rule 04 Aug 1970 03 Oct 1970
11. C. Achutha Menon 04 Aug 1970 25 Mar 1977
12. K. Karunakaran 25 Mar 1977 25 Apr 1977
13. A.K. Antony 27 Apr 1977 27 Oct 1978
14. P. K. Vasudevan Nair 29 Oct 1978 07 Oct 1979
15. C. H. Mohammed Koya 12 Oct 1979 01 Dec 1979
16. President’s Rule 05 Dec 1979 25 Jan 1980
17. E. K. Nayanar 25 Jan 1980 20 Oct 1981
18. President’s Rule 21 Oct 1981 28 Dec 1981
19. K. Karunakaran 28 Dec 1981 17 Mar 1982
20. President’s Rule 17 Mar 1982 23 May 1982
21. K. Karunakaran 24 May 1982 17 Jun 1991
22. A.K. Antony 22 Mar 1991 09 May 1996
23. E. K. Nayanar 20 May 1996 13 May 2001
24. A.K. Antony 17 May 2001 29 Aug 2004
25. Oommen Chandy 31 Aug 2004 12 May 2006
26. V. S. Achuthanandan 18 May 2006 14 May 2011
27. Oommen Chandy 18 May 2011 20 May 2016
28. Pinarayi Vijayan 25 May 2016 19 May 2021
29. Pinarayi Vijayan 20 May 2021 Incumbent

FAQs

Who was the first Chief Minister of Kerala?

E. M. S. Namboodiripad, representing the Communist Party of India, assumed office as Kerala's inaugural Chief Minister in 1957.

Who is the current Chief Minister of Kerala?

Pinarayi Vijayan has been serving as the Chief Minister of Kerala since 2016.

Who was the longest serving Chief Minister of Kerala?

E.K. Nayanar holds the distinction of being Kerala's longest-serving Chief Minister, with an impressive tenure of nearly 11 years in office.

Who was the shortest serving Chief Minister of Kerala?

C. H. Mohammed Koya holds the record for the shortest tenure as Chief Minister of Kerala, serving for a mere 53 days.

Akansha Arora

My role as a content writer specializing in current affairs at Adda247 involves meticulously researching and crafting compelling articles aimed at guiding and informing candidates preparing for National and State Level Competitive Government Exams. With a dedication to educational excellence, I strive to keep our candidates abreast of the latest developments and trends in current affairs. By providing insightful and engaging content, I aim to ensure that aspiring candidates are well-prepared and informed for their examinations.

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