Shri K. Radhakrishnan is a prominent politician affiliated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) and currently serves as the Member of Parliament for the Alathur constituency in Kerala. He has had a significant political career marked by various leadership roles.
Early Life and Education
Details regarding Radhakrishnan’s early life and education are not extensively documented in public sources. However, he is known for his grassroots connection with the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities, which has influenced his political agenda and public service initiatives.
Political Career
- Legislative Roles: K. Radhakrishnan has been a five-time MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) in Kerala. His political career has included serving as a minister in the E.K. Nayanar government (1996) and as Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly from 2006 to 2011.
- Recent Roles: Before his election to the Lok Sabha in 2024, he served as the Minister for SC/ST Welfare and Devaswom in the Kerala state government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Notably, he signed a significant order to stop using the term “colonies” for areas inhabited by SC and ST communities, a move aimed at recognizing their dignity.
- National Leadership: In June 2024, he was elected as the leader of the CPI(M) Parliamentary Party in the Lok Sabha, making him the sole Left candidate from Kerala to win in the recent elections His leadership roles underscore his influence within the party and his commitment to social justice.
Contributions and Policies
Radhakrishnan has been an advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, focusing on welfare policies aimed at uplifting SC and ST populations. His leadership in the CPI(M) and as a minister has involved implementing policies to improve their socio-economic conditions.