E.K. Nayanar

About

Elamkulam Manakkal Sankaran Nayanar was Chief Minister of Kerala three times — a total of over 10 years — representing the CPI(M) and the Left Democratic Front. A trade union organiser and freedom fighter from North Kerala, he was one of the most popular CM figures in Kerala's history, known for his earthy style, wit, and commitment to left ideology. He strengthened Kerala's decentralisation (Peoples' Planning Campaign, 1996) and championed agrarian reforms. He served as CM until 2001, when V.S. Achuthanandan and he were in a contested leadership position. He died on 19 May 2004.