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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
E. M. S. Namboodiripad, representing the Communist Party of India, assumed office as Kerala's inaugural Chief Minister in 1957.
Pinarayi Vijayan has been serving as the Chief Minister of Kerala since 2016.
E.K. Nayanar holds the distinction of being Kerala's longest-serving Chief Minister, with an impressive tenure of nearly 11 years in office.
C. H. Mohammed Koya holds the record for the shortest tenure as Chief Minister of Kerala, serving for a mere 53 days.
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