Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan Elected Kerala Assembly Speaker in Historic Three-Cornered Contest

Thiruvananthapuram, May 2026: In a rare blend of parliamentary tradition and political significance, senior Congress leader and seven-time MLA Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan was on Friday elected Speaker of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly after a historic three-cornered contest that highlighted shifting political dynamics in the state.

For the first time in Kerala Assembly history, the Speaker’s election saw candidates fielded by all three major political formations in the House. The ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) nominated Radhakrishnan, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) fielded former minister A.C. Moideen, while the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) put forward B.B. Gopakumar, one of its three legislators.

The election was conducted under the supervision of Pro-tem Speaker G. Sudhakaran, who acted as the returning officer and did not cast a vote. Out of the total strength, 139 legislators participated in the voting process.

When the results were announced, Radhakrishnan secured a comfortable majority with 101 votes. Moideen received 35 votes, while Gopakumar polled 3 votes. The declaration was followed by a loud round of desk-thumping from members across party lines, marking a moment of respect for the veteran legislator.

In a notable display of parliamentary decorum, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan jointly escorted the newly elected Speaker to the Chair, underscoring the dignity of the House despite political differences.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Satheesan praised Radhakrishnan as a leader known for his calm temperament and mature approach to politics. He recalled his own student activist days when he had raised slogans in support of the veteran leader. Satheesan also highlighted Radhakrishnan’s long administrative experience, noting that he has handled around 17 ministerial portfolios and has a strong record of constituency development.

Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan also extended his congratulations, acknowledging Radhakrishnan’s extensive parliamentary experience and expressing confidence that he would uphold the traditions of the House while performing his new constitutional responsibilities with fairness and integrity.

Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, who represents the Kottayam Assembly constituency, has been a consistent electoral performer, remaining unbeaten since 1991 after losing his first election in 1987. Known for his consensus-building approach and ability to manage tense political situations with composure, he has earned respect across party lines.

A former minister in the late Oommen Chandy cabinet, Radhakrishnan now assumes one of the most prestigious and sensitive constitutional roles in Kerala politics, tasked with maintaining order, neutrality, and democratic balance in the Assembly proceedings.