List of Chief Ministers of Kerala from 1956 to 2025 – Tenure, Achievements and Facts

Kerala, one of India’s most politically aware and socially progressive states, was formed on November 1, 1956, after the enactment of the States Reorganisation Act. Since its inception, Kerala has witnessed 13 unique leaders as Chief Ministers (CM), alternating mainly between the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Indian National Congress (INC). The state’s political journey reflects its democratic maturity, social reforms, and robust governance.

In this article, we provide the complete list of Kerala Chief Ministers from 1956 to 2025, their tenure, constituencies, political parties, and noteworthy achievements.

Kerala Chief Ministers List: An Overview (1956–2025)

Kerala, formed on November 1, 1956, through the States Reorganisation Act, brought together the regions of Malabar, Cochin, Travancore, and Kasaragod. Since then, Kerala has witnessed 13 dynamic leaders serving as Chief Ministers. The state’s governance has alternated largely between two political fronts — the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Indian National Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).

Quick Highlights:

• First CM: E.M.S. Namboodiripad (1957)

• Current CM (as of 2025): Pinarayi Vijayan (2016–Present)

• Longest-serving CM: E.K. Nayanar (Nearly 11 years)

• Shortest tenure: K. Karunakaran (15 days in 1977)

• President’s Rule: 8 times in state history

List of Chief Ministers of Kerala From 1956 to 2025

Here is the updated List of Chief Ministers of Kerala 1956 – 2025:

Chief ministers of Travancore-Cochin (1949–1956)

Paravoor T. K. Narayana Pillai (1949-1952):

• First Chief Minister of Travancore-Cochin, unanimously chosen by the Congress party.
• Led the state through its infancy, integrating the Travancore and Cochin administrations.
• Focused on establishing administrative stability and infrastructure development.

C. Kesavan (1952):

• Served as Chief Minister for a brief period following Narayana Pillai’s resignation.
• Belonged to the Travancore Tamil Nadu Congress, representing the Tamil minority in the state.
• Faced political instability and opposition from other parties.

Anaparambil Joseph John (1952-1954):

• Won the first state elections held in 1951, leading the Travancore-Cochin Congress party.
• Implemented progressive measures like land reforms and expansion of education.
• Resigned due to internal party conflicts and controversies.

Pattom A. Thanu Pillai (1954-1956):

• Returned as Chief Minister, this time with the Praja Socialist Party.
• Focused on economic development and industrialisation, attracting investments.
• Oversaw the state’s integration into the newly formed Indian state of Kerala in 1956.

Prime ministers of Travancore (1948–49)

Pattom A. Thanu Pillai

• He took office in March 1948.
• A seasoned politician, he navigated the turbulent waters of Indian independence and advocated for a democratic Travancore.
• He implemented progressive policies like land reforms and education initiatives.
• But resigned amidst political turmoil in October 1948.

T. K. Narayana Pillai

• State in managing its affairs during the final months before it becomes a part of another entity.
• He was a Congress Party moderate leader. He focused on maintaining stability and preparing for the upcoming merger with Cochin
• This merger culminated in the formation of Travancore-Cochin in July 1949, paving the way for the eventual creation of Kerala in 1956.

First Chief Minister of Kerala

• The First Chief Minister of Kerala was E. M. S. Namboodiripad, From 1957 to 1959

• Namboodiripad took office on April 5, 1957, after Kerala state’s formation in 1956.

• He was head of the Communist Party of India (CPI)

• Championed the Kerala Land Reform Act, redistributing land ownership to peasants, reducing feudalism.

• Faced political opposition and accusations of radicalism, with his term ending abruptly due to President’s rule in 1959.

First Dalit Chief Minister of Kerala

• The First Dalit Chief Minister of Kerala was R. Sankar.
• R. Sankar Assumed office on September 26, 1962.
• Belonged to the Pulaya community, historically disadvantaged due to the caste system.
• He represented the Praja Socialist Party (PSP).
• He focused on policies to improve the lives of Dalits, Adivasis, and other marginalised groups.
• Increased educational opportunities
• Initiated welfare programs for disadvantaged communities.
• Supported the Kerala Land Reform Act to empower peasants and address land inequality.
• He served for just 2 years, facing political challenges and opposition from upper-caste groups.

First Muslim Chief Minister of Kerala

• C. H. Mohammed Koya was the First Muslim Chief Minister of Kerala from October 1979 to January 1980.
• He assumed office on October 21, 1979, marking a historic moment for Muslim representation in the state’s politics.
• He represents the Indian Union Muslim League.
• Served for only 89 days due to political instability and internal party conflicts.
• Launched initiatives to improve infrastructure and educational opportunities for all communities, particularly in Muslim-majority areas.

Interesting Facts about Kerala Chief Ministers

• C. H. Mohammed Koya was the only CM from the Indian Union Muslim League.

• Oommen Chandy was known for “Janasambarka Paripadi,” a public grievance redressal initiative.

• A. K. Antony was the youngest CM of Kerala when he first took office in 1977.

• Women have not yet held the post of CM in Kerala, making it unique among progressive states.

• EMS Namboodiripad’s first government was dismissed in 1959 under Article 356, making Kerala the first Indian state to experience President’s Rule.

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