Many unusual incidents have happened in Indian politics, but it is very rare for the same leader to become Chief Minister twice without becoming an MLA. Veteran Congress leader A.K. had done this in Kerala politics. Antony—and that too in two different periods, in the midst of two major crises. This story is not just about reaching power, but about the trust that the party leadership reposed in a leader who himself was never seen in the race for office.

1977: Antony emerged amid crisis

April 1977—Kerala politics was in turmoil. After the verdict of Rajan case, the then Chief Minister K. Karunakaran had to resign. The biggest challenge before the Congress was – who is the Chief Minister now? There was no clear face in the legislative party. Consensus was not being reached. In such a situation, the party high command sent senior leader C. Subramaniam to Kerala. And this is where the story takes a turn. Subramaniam met the then KPCC president A.K. Antony was chosen – a name which was not at the forefront in the race for power. Just 36 years of age, clean image and hesitation about the position – all this made him an “unusual choice”. But the party needed stability at that time—and Antony lived up to that trust. On 27 April 1977, he took oath as the Chief Minister and became the youngest CM of the country.

First test: winning the election in 6 months

According to the Constitution, it was necessary to become a member of the Legislative Assembly within six months after becoming the Chief Minister. Seat searched for Antony – Kazhakottam. The MLA there, Thalekunnil Bashir, resigned so that Antony could contest the elections. Bashir later said that this suggestion was his own, when the discussion regarding the seat was dragging on.

But this by-election was not easy. Memories of the Emergency were fresh. Rajan case had given vent to public anger. The situation was so sensitive that Rajan’s father T.V. Ichara Warrier himself reached Kazhakottam and campaigned against Antony. The election had become completely political and emotional. Despite this, Antony won by more than 8,000 votes and confirmed his place in the assembly.

1995: History Repeated

Nearly two decades later, Kerala politics was again in a crisis. Due to ISRO espionage scandal in 1995. Karunakaran once again had to resign. Congress again needed a trustworthy face. This time too the party’s attention fell on Antony – who was a Rajya Sabha MP at that time. He took oath as Chief Minister again—again without becoming an MLA. He then contested the by-election from Tirurangadi seat, which was won by Muslim League MLA V.K. Ibrahim Kunju had vacated. Antony also won this election and once again fulfilled the constitutional requirement.

2001 Kerala Congress rebellion

Congress had won the elections on the face of AK Antony but there was an ongoing tussle within the party regarding leadership. Ghulam Nabi Azad and Motilal Vohra were sent from Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram. AK Antony was the choice of the high command so the tussle ultimately ended faster than expected. The party appointed A.K. Antony was unanimously elected as the leader of the legislative party, paving the way for government formation.

Former Chief Minister K Karunakaran had a condition to make his son the party president. However, former Chief Minister K. The demand of Karunakaran group that his son K. Muraleedharan should be made the state president. After the elections, Azad clarified, “The decision of the state president has been left to party president Sonia Gandhi.” He described Antony’s selection as a “very happy” and “very smooth” process.

Interestingly, Karunakaran, who was openly opposed till before the elections, was present in the meeting but did not make any public comment. Calling it a sign of party unity, Azad said, “We know when to fight and when to unite.” UDF returned to power with two-thirds majority and was now forming the government under the leadership of Antony.

However, negotiations continued behind the scenes. It is believed that to satisfy the Karunakaran group, an agreement was reached to make Muraleedharan the state president.

Not just luck, politics of trust

A.K. Antony becoming Chief Minister twice without becoming an MLA is not just a coincidence, but a strong example of trust politics. At a time when Kerala politics was going through a crisis, instead of a powerful lobby or pressure, the Congress leadership chose a face whose identity was associated with a clean image and balanced leadership.

Antony was never a contender for power. This was the reason that when the party needed stability and reliable leadership, he was looked to. When given the responsibility, he left no stone unturned in fulfilling it – be it the political upheaval of 1977 or the crisis of 1995.

Senior Congress leader A.K. Antony has now distanced himself from active national politics. Antony, who once stood with Sonia Gandhi during big announcements, is now living a quiet life on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram. He said, “Congress is a reality, it will remain, I am optimistic about it.” On the role of the Nehru-Gandhi family, he clearly said, “Congress cannot exist without the leadership of this family.” Expressing concern over the current situation in the country, Antony said, “Today’s scenario is very painful… diversity is under threat.”

After Congress won the elections, today AK Antony reached the Congress office in Thiruvananthapuram, where he saw an atmosphere of enthusiasm among the party workers, and this incident came to mind. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has secured a clear majority in the state assembly elections. With this victory, UDF is all set to form the government in the state. Antony’s presence is being considered strategically important, because he will provide guidance in the process of organization and government formation. Now everyone’s eyes are on the date of selection and swearing in of the next Chief Minister.

#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam | Senior Congress leader AK Antony arrives at the office of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee.

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) secured majority in the state assembly elections and is set to form the government in the state. pic.twitter.com/2lmR7wst9f

— ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2026

Who is today’s Antony?

Sometimes A.K. Antony was the face of that balanced, clean and trustworthy politics, which remained universally accepted even amidst factionalism. Today comparisons are being made regarding the same space – do VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and KC Venugopal seem to be filling that space. Does Shashi Tharoor’s name make this equation more complicated? All four were seen together in the press conference on May 4 and hugged each other. But everyone also knows in politics that what happens in front of the cameras often does not match what happens behind closed doors.

VD Satheesan has emerged as the face of “Parivartan”. As leader of the opposition, his aggressive attitude and clean image give him an edge. But lack of administrative experience and the challenge of balancing factions could be a big obstacle for him. In contrast, Ramesh Chennithala promises stability with experience and organizational acumen, although the 2021 defeat and the image of an “old face” weaken his case.

The case of KC Venugopal is different. Being close to Rahul Gandhi, his claim is directly linked to the politics of the high command. He could be a compromise candidate, but not being an MLA and the perception of being a “representative of Delhi” makes him a risky option. Rest of the names are stuck only in Kerala, Venugopal has reached near Delhi and has moved towards Delhi the very next day of the results. Besides, he also has a good influence among the elected MLAs because even during the distribution of tickets, he was the only one who went before the “high command”.

This is where Shashi Tharoor adds an interesting dimension. International image, intellectual appeal and hold on the urban middle class make him a different kind of leader. He may present the Congress with a “new narrative”—but his limited ground hold in the state organization and distance from traditional factions make his path difficult.