The Marxist leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala, E.K. Nayanar was born on December 19, 1919 at Kallassery in Kannur. He is the longest serving Chief Minister of Kerala. E.K. Nayanar joined politics in 1939 as a member of the Communist Party. After that he devoted himself to organizing agricultural and industrial Workers. In Kayyur and Morazha revolts, he played a significant role. In 1940, he was arrested by the government on charge of taking part in the agitation of Aron Mill Workers. During the emergency, he was Life were spent to jail. E.K. Nayanar’s valuable 11 years of his life were spent in jail for various reasons.
In 1967, he contested Lok Sabha elections and was elected from Palakkad. On the other hand, he became member of Kerala assembly six times. From 1972 to 1980, he served as CPI (M) Central Committee Member. He was thrice chosen the Chief Minister of Kerala. His last chief ministerial tenure was from 1996 to 2001.