Pinarayi Vijayan (Malayalam:[piɳɐraːjiʋid͡ʒɐjɐn]; born 24 May 1945) is an Indian politician who has served as the[a]Chief Minister of Kerala since 25 May 2016.[3][4][5] A member of the politburo of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), he is the longest-serving secretary of the Kerala State Committee of the CPI(M) (1998–2015). He has also served as Minister of Electric Power and Co-operatives during the third E. K. Nayanar ministry. Vijayan won a seat in the May 2016 Kerala Legislative Assembly election and 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election as the CPI(M) candidate for Dharmadom constituency and was selected as the leader of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and became the 12th Chief Minister of Kerala.[6][7][8] He is the first chief minister from Kerala to be re-elected after completing a full term (five years) in office.[9] In 2022, he also became the longest-continuous serving chief minister of Kerala surpassing C. Achutha Menon who had been the first to remain in office for 2364 consecutive days.[10] He launched the LIFE Mission (Livelihood Inclusion and Financial Empowerment) as part of the Nava Kerala Mission, aiming to eradicate homelessness and landlessness in Kerala by providing safe housing and promoting financial empowerment through livelihood support, social security schemes, and skill development programs.[11]
Vijayan was born on 24 May 1945 in Pinarayi, Kannur, Kerala, as the youngest son of Maroli Koran and Alakkatt Kalyani.[12][13] He had 14 siblings of whom only three survived. After graduating from school, he worked as a handloom weaver for a year before joining for a pre-university course in the Government Brennen College, Thalassery. Subsequently, he earned B.A. Economics degree from the same college.[14]
He is married to Kamala Vijayan and has two children, daughter Veena Vijayan who is married to P. A. Mohammed Riyas and son Vivek Kiran Vijayan. His wife is a retired teacher.[15][16]
Pinarayi Vijayan entered politics through student union activities at Government Brennen College, Thalassery. He eventually joined the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in 1964. Vijayan became Kannur district secretary of the Kerala Students Federation (KSF), which later became the Students Federation of India (SFI). He went on to become the state secretary and subsequently the state president of KSF. He then moved on to Kerala State Youth Federation (KSYF), which later became the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI). He became the president of the state committee. During that period, when communists in Kerala were organising the political activities from different hide-outs, Pinarayi Vijayan was imprisoned for one and a half years. Later, he was elected as the president of the Kerala state co-operative bank. He became the Kannur district secretary of the CPI(M) when M.V. Raghavan left the party over the 'alternative document' row.[17]
He was one among the accused in Kerala's first political murder case, of that of Vadikkal Ramakrishnan who was killed by an axe on 28 April 1969. Though the court acquitted all the accused of lack of evidence, this has been used by various political opponents to portray the violent nature of CPI(M) - RSS conflicts in Kannur which has taken more than 200 lives of supporters from both factions.[18][19][20]
Kerala Assembly (1970–present)
At the age of 25, in 1970 assembly election Vijayan contested from Kuthuparamba and won the seat making him Kerala's youngest legislator, a record still unbroken.[21] He was elected to the Assembly in 1970, 1977 and 1991 from Kuthuparamba, in 1996 from Payyanur and in 2016, 2021 from Dharmadom.
During the emergency rule, when communists in Kerala were organising the political activities from different hide-outs, many CPI(M) members and leaders including Pinarayi Vijayan was imprisoned for one and a half years. He was arrested and tortured by police.[28] After his release, Pinarayi Vijayan reached the Kerala Legislative Assembly and made an impassionate speech against senior Congress leader K. Karunakaran holding up the blood-stained shirt he wore when in police custody, causing serious embarrassment to the then C. Achutha Menon government.[29]
Minister of Electricity and SNC-Lavalin scandal (1996–1998)
In the 1996 assembly election, E. K. Nayanar led LDF won the election and Vijayan was appointed Minister of Electricity.[30] Under his ministry Kerala made huge progress in the generation and distribution of electricity towards self-sufficiency.[citation needed]
The SNC Lavalin controversy in Kerala was a major allegation that rocked Kerala politics. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India report had stated that the deal Vijayan had struck[31] as electricity minister in 1998 with Lavalin, a Canadian firm, for the repair of three generators, had cost the state exchequer a staggering Rs 375 crores. On 16 January 2007, Kerala High Court ordered a CBI enquiry into the SNC Lavalin case.[32] There are also reports that the CAG did not report any losses to state exchequer, but that the project did not yield commensurate gains.[33] Pinarayi Vijayan had been named as the 9th accused in the case by CBI.[34][35] The CPM led Kerala Government decided not to let Vijayan be prosecuted in the case.[36] Over-ruling the cabinet recommendation, the Governor allowed CBI to prosecute Vijayan.[37][38] Though CPI(M) called Governor's move un-constitutional, then Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan said there is nothing surprising or wrong in Governor's decision.[39][40][41][42] On 5 November 2013, the CBI special court discharged Pinarayi Vijayan and the others accused from the list of accused in the SNC-Lavalin Case. The court has allowed a plea made by Pinarayi Vijayan asking his name to be removed from the list of accused in the case. The court held that there isn't any proof of dishonest and fraudulent intentions, abuse of official position and cheating.[43][44]
In 1998, he became the state secretary of the CPI(M), following the death of the incumbent Chadayan Govindan. He was elected to the Politburo of the CPI(M) in 2002.[45] After resigning the post as the Minister of Electricity in 1998, Vijayan assumed as state secretary of CPI(M) for 18 years. As the party has been declining in West Bengal, Tripura and rest of India, under his leadership CPI(M) saw the base of the party strengthening up in the State.[46] He led the party to a landslide victory in the 2004 Indian general election, 2006 Kerala assembly election,[47]2014 Indian general election and 2016 Kerala assembly election.[48] On 16 February 2007 the airport security in Chennai Airport recovered five bullets from Vijayan's baggage. The Chennai airport security let him off after receiving a faxed copy of his license.[49]
On 26 May 2007 the CPI(M) suspended Pinarayi Vijayan and V. S. Achuthanandan from the Politburo for their public remarks on each other. Pinarayi was reinstated into the Politburo later.[50]
During the severe 2018 Kerala floods—the worst in a century—Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took an active leadership role in coordinating rescue and relief efforts. On 14 August 2018, he led an aerial survey of affected regions and thanked the Central government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and opposition parties for their "constructive roles".[53] He called upon employees to donate wages to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund and asked banks to waive transfer charges, as part of state‑level relief initiatives.[53]
He also addressed concerns over misinformation, warning that those spreading fake news about the relief operations would face action.[54] He visited multiple flood-affected districts—including Idukki, Wayanad, Kannur, and Ernakulam—to directly assess conditions and address grievances from victims in relief camps.[55][56]
Journalists and analysts credited him with restoring public confidence, often citing his no‑nonsense manner and timely press briefings as key to rallying relief efforts and sustaining morale during the crisis.[57] Nevertheless, the Government was accused of misappropriating a large amount from the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund which was collected during the floods.[58]
In 2020, Vijayan faced heat from various opposition parties after several members of the chief minister's office were accused in the 2020 Kerala gold smuggling case.[59] The suspended principal secretary of IT department Mr. M. Shivasankar was arrested in connection with the investigation of the Gold smuggling case.[60]
The 2021 election of Kerala saw the incumbent government of Vijayan led Left Democratic Front (LDF) retained to power with 99 seats, 8 more than in the previous election, marking the first time that an alliance won consecutive terms in the state since its 1977 election.[61] Pinarayi Vijayan also became the only Chief minister of Kerala to get re-elected after completing full five-year term in the office. The Council assumed office on 20 May 2021.[62] The ministry is having a total of 21 ministers in the Cabinet compared to 20 ministers in the previous government.[63][64] In November 2022, Vijayan became the longest continuous serving chief minister of Kerala.[65]
In his second term as Chief Minister from May 2021, Pinarayi Vijayan retained key departments including Home, Vigilance, and General Administration. He also holds charge of departments such as Planning and Economic Affairs, Information Technology, Personnel and Administrative Reforms, Science and Technology, Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs, and several others related to internal security, infrastructure, and public administration.[66]
During his second term beginning in May 2021, Vijayan led several major initiatives and responses spanning governance, economy, and social welfare:
Digital Governance & Infrastructure
Kerala was declared India’s first fully e‑governed state, with over 900 services online via portals like e‑Sevanam and the Kerala Fibre Optic Network (K‑FON), which aims to provide free or low‑cost internet to households, especially those below the poverty line.[67]
Economic & Enterprise Promotion
He launched the Year of Enterprises campaign (2022–23), designed to incubate and scale micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It resulted in over 1.39 lakh new ventures and more than 3 lakh jobs in the first year, with further growth projected.[68]
Public Outreach & Development Messaging
In late 2023, he led Nava Kerala Sadas, a statewide outreach tour across all Assembly constituencies to communicate development achievements and gather public feedback ahead of upcoming elections.[69]
He inaugurated Keraleeyam Festival in November 2023, showcasing Kerala’s cultural heritage and asserting the state’s identity as a knowledge-based and inclusive economy.[70]
Exalogic–CMRL Controversy: Vijayan’s Involvement
In September 2023, he described allegations involving payments from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) to his daughter’s company, Exalogic Solutions, as a "political witch‑hunt". He asserted the transactions were lawful and based on contracts, criticizing opposition claims and media reports as politically motivated.[71]
In April 2025, responding to SFIO allegations that his daughter had received ₹2.7 crore from CMRL without providing proper service, Vijayan publicly rejected calls for his resignation. He stated he did not take the charges seriously and accused central investigative agencies of political targeting.[72]
Between 2025 June 10–17, he filed a counter‑affidavit in Kerala High Court opposing a PIL that sought a CBI probe. He clarified he had no involvement in Exalogic’s business dealings, denied any illegal gratification, and called the petition legally unfounded. The court adjourned the hearing to 2 July 2025, noting pending service of notice to key respondents.[73]
In April 2025, During a press briefing, he addressed the media harshly over their coverage of the controversy, stating: “You want my blood, but it won’t be that easy.” He reiterated that the SFIO probe was ongoing and emphasized the transparency of his daughter’s company’s financial transactions.[74]
Social Welfare & Governance
He announced an ambitious goal to eradicate extreme poverty in Kerala by November 2025, targeting a 93% reduction by end-2024.[75]
During an anti‑drug campaign kickoff in May 2025, he emphasized a rehabilitative approach to addiction, promoting counseling over punishment. He also criticized the central government’s perceived failure to support Kerala during crises and highlighted achievements in education, health, and poverty reduction.[76]
Malappuram PR controversy over gold‑smuggling remarks
In a September 2024 interview published by The Hindu, Vijayan was quoted stating that approximately ₹123 crore in hawala money and 150 kg of smuggled gold were seized in Malappuram district and were entering Kerala to support “anti‑State” or “anti‑national activities”. This triggered protests from Muslim organizations and criticism from opposition parties. However, The Hindu later issued a correction indicating that portions of the interview were added at the request of a PR agency, and Vijayan’s press secretary stated the remarks were misattributed.[77][78]
Nilambur Assembly by‑election 2025
In June 2025, a by‑election was held in the Nilambur Assembly constituency, caused by the resignation of MLA P. V. Anvar in January 2025. The UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath won with a margin of approximately 11,077 votes, securing over 77,000 votes, while LDF candidate M. Swaraj received around 66,000 votes. Independent Anvar trailed third with nearly 19,700 votes. The defeat marked the first loss of a sitting LDF seat during the Vijayan ministry and was widely interpreted as a significant expression of anti‑incumbency sentiment against his government.[79][80]
Analysts and political commentators assessed the by-election loss as a symbolic blow to the Vijayan-led LDF. The Times of India reported that opposition leaders accused the government of communal polarization and poor campaign messaging, reflecting fears of alienation among minority voters.[81]
Disaster policy advocacy
In July 2025, after devastating landslides and floods in Wayanad, he urged Prime Minister Modi to restore Section 13 of the Disaster Management Act, which facilitated financial relief for disaster victims. He argued that its removal in March 2025 had hindered Kerala’s recovery and accused the Centre of retroactive impairment of relief efforts.[82]
Criticism of Centre and political stance
In mid‑2025, he denounced the BJP‑led central government over the state textbook revision policy, claiming it was an ideological move to saffronize education and distort history. He reaffirmed Kerala’s autonomy by restoring deleted chapters and accused the Centre of adopting retaliatory measures as a result.[83]
Allegations by P. V. Anvar (independent MLA, Nilambur)
In 2024, P. V. Anvar alleged that senior police officials—including ADGP M. R. Ajith Kumar—had conducted illegal phone interceptions under orders. In September, then Governor Arif Mohammed Khan sought a report from Vijayan’s office regarding the claims. He later defended the legal use of call‑interception protocols, denying misuse in a letter, citing a police investigation.[84][85]
Failure to act on phone‑tapping allegations
In June 2025, Kerala High Court reprimanded the state government for failing to register an FIR against Anvar, who had alleged phone‑tapping of senior officials by political aides. The court criticized procedural apathy while emphasizing state responsibility to act.[86]
Investment & Economic outreach
He inaugurated the Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025 in Kochi, attracting investment proposals worth approximately ₹1.53 lakh crore and creating mechanisms for fast-track project approvals and investor engagement.[87][88][89] He also advocated partnerships in tourism investments and technology sectors to transform Kerala’s economy.[90]
Awards and honours
Pinarayi Vijayan was awarded Gandhidarsan award for the best chief minister in 2018.[91]
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