Kodiyeri Balakrishnan

Veteran Indian politician and editor, key figure in CPI(M) Kerala leadership.

Chronology: 1953-11-16 – 2022-10-01

Early Political Foundation and Legislative Service

Kodiyeri Balakrishnan established his political career by representing the Thalassery Assembly constituency in the Kerala Legislative Assembly. He first served in this capacity from 1982 to 1991, and later returned to the role from 2001 to 2016. His early political roles included serving as the deputy leader of the opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly during two distinct periods: from 2001 to 2006, and again from 2011 to 2016.

Ministerial Roles and Editorial Leadership

Balakrishnan held significant governmental responsibilities, notably serving as the state minister for Home Affairs and Tourism between 2006 and 2011 under the Achuthanandan ministry. Beyond his legislative duties, he was also the chief editor of the influential Malayalam newspaper, Deshabhimani, which serves as the organ for the Kerala State Committee of the CPI(M).

Apex of Party Command and Conclusion of Tenure

His career reached a high point when he was appointed the secretary of the CPI(M) Kerala State Committee, a position he held from 2015 until 2022. He eventually stepped down from this crucial state secretary role due to declining health, concluding a long and impactful tenure in Kerala's political landscape.

Source: Wikipedia