K. Karunakaran - Revision history

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	'''Kannoth Karunakaran''' (5 July 1918 – 23 December 2010) was an Indian politician and member of the [[Indian National Congress]] (INC). He served as the [[Chief Minister of Kerala]] four times: for a brief period from March 1977 to April 1977, another short term from December 1981 to March 1982, after which [[president's rule]] was invoked in the state, and subsequently served from May 1982 to May 1987, and eventually from June 1991 to May 1995. He is the founder of the [[United Democratic Front (Kerala)\|United Democratic Front]] (UDF), which is a political alliance in [[Kerala]] led by INC.<ref name=":1" />		'''Kannoth Karunakaran''' (5 July 1918 – 23 December 2010) was an Indian politician and member of the [[Indian National Congress]] (INC). He served as the [[Chief Minister of Kerala]] four times: for a brief period from March 1977 to April 1977, another short term from December 1981 to March 1982, after which [[president's rule]] was invoked in the state, and subsequently served from May 1982 to May 1987, and eventually from June 1991 to May 1995. He is the founder of the [[United Democratic Front (Kerala)\|United Democratic Front]] (UDF), which is a political alliance in [[Kerala]] led by INC.<ref name=":1" />

	He was instrumental in several massive infrastructure projects in Kerala which includes the [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi)\|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]] in Kochi,<ref>{{Cite web\|title=VIP Football Pavilion at Kaloor Stadium Named after K Karunakaran\|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2015/aug/21/VIP-Football-Pavilion-at-Kaloor-Stadium-Named-after-K-Karunakaran-802521.html\|access-date=2020-11-24\|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> and the [[Cochin International Airport]], both of which were sanctioned during his last stint as Chief Minister.<ref name=":0">{{cite news\|date=14 July 2014\|title=Karunakaran Pavilion\|work=[[The Times of India]]\|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Pavilion-to-be-named-after-Karunakaran/articleshow/48063171.cms\|access-date=14 July 2014}}</ref> Other major projects ~~intoduced~~ during the reign of Karunakaran include the [[Kerala State Film Development Corporation]], [[Goshree bridges]] of [[Kochi]], [[Guruvayur–Thrissur spur line\|Guruvayur Railway Line]], [[Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Plant]] at [[Kayamkulam]], etc.<ref name="mn_2">{{Cite book\|title=Chief Ministers, Ministers, and Leaders of Opposition of Kerala\|last=\|publisher=Secratriat of Kerala Legislature\|year=2018\|location=Thiruvananthapuram\|pages=22\|url=http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/14kla/chief%20ministers,%20ministers,%20leaders%20of%20opposition.pdf}}</ref> The [[Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala\|MG University]], [[Kottayam]], was created by bifurcating [[University of Kerala]] in the year 1983. A special government department for the welfare of [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes\|Scheduled Castes]] was formed for first time in the state when K. Karunakaran became the chief minister. It was during the reign of first UDF government ([[Third Karunakaran ministry]]), that the last two districts of Kerala, namely [[Pathanamthitta district\|Pathanamthitta]] and [[Kasaragod district\|Kasaragod]], were carved out, making the total number of districts at 14.<ref name="mn_2"/> The first phase of [[Kollam Bypass]] was completed in 1993.		He was instrumental in several massive infrastructure projects in Kerala which includes the [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi)\|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]] in Kochi,<ref>{{Cite web\|title=VIP Football Pavilion at Kaloor Stadium Named after K Karunakaran\|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2015/aug/21/VIP-Football-Pavilion-at-Kaloor-Stadium-Named-after-K-Karunakaran-802521.html\|access-date=2020-11-24\|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> and the [[Cochin International Airport]], both of which were sanctioned during his last stint as Chief Minister.<ref name=":0">{{cite news\|date=14 July 2014\|title=Karunakaran Pavilion\|work=[[The Times of India]]\|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Pavilion-to-be-named-after-Karunakaran/articleshow/48063171.cms\|access-date=14 July 2014}}</ref> Other major projects introduced during the reign of Karunakaran include the [[Kerala State Film Development Corporation]], [[Goshree bridges]] of [[Kochi]], [[Guruvayur–Thrissur spur line\|Guruvayur Railway Line]], [[Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Plant]] at [[Kayamkulam]], etc.<ref name="mn_2">{{Cite book\|title=Chief Ministers, Ministers, and Leaders of Opposition of Kerala\|last=\|publisher=Secratriat of Kerala Legislature\|year=2018\|location=Thiruvananthapuram\|pages=22\|url=http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/14kla/chief%20ministers,%20ministers,%20leaders%20of%20opposition.pdf}}</ref> The [[Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala\|MG University]], [[Kottayam]], was created by bifurcating [[University of Kerala]] in the year 1983. A special government department for the welfare of [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes\|Scheduled Castes]] was formed for first time in the state when K. Karunakaran became the chief minister. It was during the reign of first UDF government ([[Third Karunakaran ministry]]), that the last two districts of Kerala, namely [[Pathanamthitta district\|Pathanamthitta]] and [[Kasaragod district\|Kasaragod]], were carved out, making the total number of districts at 14.<ref name="mn_2"/> The first phase of [[Kollam Bypass]] was completed in 1993.

	K. Karunakaran was close to former prime ministers [[Indira Gandhi]] and [[Rajiv Gandhi]].<ref name=":1">		K. Karunakaran was close to former prime ministers [[Indira Gandhi]] and [[Rajiv Gandhi]].<ref name=":1">
	[http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/who-was-k-karunakaran-74555?trendingnow Who was K Karunakaran?]. ''[[Press Trust of India]]''. [[NDTV]]. Retrieved 23 December 2010</ref> At the helm of his career in ~~1980's~~ and ~~1990's~~ he enjoyed considerable access, confidence and control at [[All India Congress Committee]] to a point that he had an important role in bringing [[P. V. Narasimha Rao]] to the [[Prime Minister of India\|Prime Ministership of India]]. This earned him the sobriquet ''kingmaker.''<ref>{{Cite web\|title=K Karunakaran, the Kingmaker\|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2010/dec/24/k-karunakaran-the-kingmaker-213645.html\|access-date=2021-04-27\|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|title=Why it worked for Congress to have a non-Gandhi face like Narasimha Rao\|url=https://www.dailyo.in/politics/congress-narasimha-rao-made-history-pranab-sonia-gandhi-sanjaya-baru/story/1/13132.html\|access-date=2021-04-27\|website=www.dailyo.in}}</ref> He played a crucial role in nurturing and strengthening [[Indian National Congress]] into a strong political party in [[Kerala]] and enjoyed mass support of not just the party workers but the entire Anti communist solidarity that was active in [[Kerala]] then.<ref>{{Cite news\|others=Special Correspondent\|date=2010-12-23\|title=Former Kerala Chief Minister Karunakaran passes away\|language=en-IN\|work=The Hindu\|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Former-Kerala-Chief-Minister-Karunakaran-passes-away/article15605617.ece\|access-date=2021-04-27\|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> He was called as ''Leader'' within the party circles.<ref>{{Cite news\|author=Staff Reporter\|date=2017-12-23\|title=Hassan 'regrets' ousting Karunakaran in 1995\|language=en-IN\|work=The Hindu\|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/hassan-regrets-ousting-karunakaran-in-1995/article22267468.ece\|access-date=2021-04-27\|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>		[http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/who-was-k-karunakaran-74555?trendingnow Who was K Karunakaran?]. ''[[Press Trust of India]]''. [[NDTV]]. Retrieved 23 December 2010</ref> At the helm of his career in the 1980s and 1990s he enjoyed considerable access, confidence and control at [[All India Congress Committee]] to a point that he had an important role in bringing [[P. V. Narasimha Rao]] to the [[Prime Minister of India\|Prime Ministership of India]]. This earned him the sobriquet ''kingmaker.''<ref>{{Cite web\|title=K Karunakaran, the Kingmaker\|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2010/dec/24/k-karunakaran-the-kingmaker-213645.html\|access-date=2021-04-27\|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|title=Why it worked for Congress to have a non-Gandhi face like Narasimha Rao\|url=https://www.dailyo.in/politics/congress-narasimha-rao-made-history-pranab-sonia-gandhi-sanjaya-baru/story/1/13132.html\|access-date=2021-04-27\|website=www.dailyo.in}}</ref> He played a crucial role in nurturing and strengthening [[Indian National Congress]] into a strong political party in [[Kerala]] and enjoyed mass support of not just the party workers but the entire Anti communist solidarity that was active in [[Kerala]] then.<ref>{{Cite news\|others=Special Correspondent\|date=2010-12-23\|title=Former Kerala Chief Minister Karunakaran passes away\|language=en-IN\|work=The Hindu\|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Former-Kerala-Chief-Minister-Karunakaran-passes-away/article15605617.ece\|access-date=2021-04-27\|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> He was called as ''Leader'' within the party circles.<ref>{{Cite news\|author=Staff Reporter\|date=2017-12-23\|title=Hassan 'regrets' ousting Karunakaran in 1995\|language=en-IN\|work=The Hindu\|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/hassan-regrets-ousting-karunakaran-in-1995/article22267468.ece\|access-date=2021-04-27\|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

	==Personal life==		==Personal life==
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	{{Cquote\|After a career of both achievements and setbacks in his 30s and most of his 40s, K. Karunakaran was allotted a ticket to contest from a Communist stronghold, Thrissur's Mala constituency, considered a "safe seat" for the Left, in the 1965 Kerala Legislative Assembly Elections. To the astonishment of most political observers, 47-year-old K. Karunakaran defeated the Communist candidate by more than 3000 votes, and went on to represent the constituency in seven successive elections: 1967, 1970, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1987, and 1991.		{{Cquote\|After a career of both achievements and setbacks in his 30s and most of his 40s, K. Karunakaran was allotted a ticket to contest from a Communist stronghold, Thrissur's Mala constituency, considered a "safe seat" for the Left, in the 1965 Kerala Legislative Assembly Elections. To the astonishment of most political observers, 47-year-old K. Karunakaran defeated the Communist candidate by more than 3000 votes, and went on to represent the constituency in seven successive elections: 1967, 1970, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1987, and 1991.
	\| author = [[Shashi Tharoor]]		\| author = [[Shashi Tharoor]]
	\| source = in an article published on Mathrubhumi online<ref>https://english.mathrubhumi.com/mobile/features/specials/one-and-only-leader--1.5302631</ref>		\| source = in an article published on Mathrubhumi online<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/mobile/features/specials/one-and-only-leader--1.5302631\|title=One and only 'Leader'}}</ref>
	}}		}}
	The VIP pavilion in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in [[Kaloor]], Kochi is named after him in his honour.<ref name=":0" />		The VIP pavilion in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in [[Kaloor]], Kochi is named after him in his honour.<ref name=":0" />
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	==Further reading==		==Further reading==
	* {{Citation\|title=Chief Ministers, Ministers, and Leaders of Opposition of Kerala\|last=\|publisher=Secratriat of [[Kerala Legislative Assembly\|Kerala Legislature]]\|year=2018\|location=[[Thiruvananthapuram]]\|url=http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/14kla/chief%20ministers,%20ministers,%20leaders%20of%20opposition.pdf}}		* {{Citation\|title=Chief Ministers, Ministers, and Leaders of Opposition of Kerala\|last=\|publisher=Secratriat of [[Kerala Legislative Assembly\|Kerala Legislature]]\|year=2018\|location=[[Thiruvananthapuram]]\|url=http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/14kla/chief%20ministers,%20ministers,%20leaders%20of%20opposition.pdf}}

	{{commons category\|K. Karunakaran}}		{{commons category\|K. Karunakaran}}

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	During his childhood, Karunakaran was an expert in [[Swimming (sport)\|swimming]], [[painting]], [[association football\|football]] and [[volleyball]]. Though he was named Karunakara Marar, he later dropped his caste title, and came to be known just by his name.{{Citation needed\|date=October 2020}}		During his childhood, Karunakaran was an expert in [[Swimming (sport)\|swimming]], [[painting]], [[association football\|football]] and [[volleyball]]. Though he was named Karunakara Marar, he later dropped his caste title, and came to be known just by his name.{{Citation needed\|date=October 2020}}

	Karunakaran started his school education by joining [[Vadakara]] Govt. Lower Primary School in 1923. Later, he studied in Andallur govt. school and the famous Raja's High School near his home in Chirakkal. After passing matriculation from Raja's High School, he went to [[Thrissur]] and joined Govt. Fine Arts' college, from where he took degrees in painting and mathematics. For treating an eye disorder, he went to his maternal uncle's home in [[Vellanikkara]] near Thrissur, along with his elder brother Kunjirama Marar. Later, he married his maternal uncle's daughter Kalyanikkutty Amma in 1954 at [[Guruvayoor Temple]], when he was 36 and Kalyanikkutty Amma was 30.		Karunakaran started his school education by joining [[Vadakara]] Govt. Lower Primary School in 1923. Later, he studied in Andallur govt. school and the famous Raja's High School near his home in Chirakkal. After passing matriculation from Raja's High School, he went to [[Thrissur]] and joined Govt. Fine Arts' college, from where he took degrees in painting and mathematics. For treating an eye disorder, he went to his maternal uncle's home in [[Vellanikkara]] near Thrissur, along with his elder brother Kunjirama Marar. Later, he married his maternal uncle's daughter Kalyanikkutty Amma in 1954 at [[Guruvayoor Temple]], when he was 36 and Kalyanikkutty Amma was 30. [[K. Muraleedharan]] and [[Padmaja Venugopal]], famous Congress politicians, are their children.

	~~[[K. Muraleedharan]] and [[Padmaja Venugopal]], famous Congress politicians, are their children.~~		On 3 June 1992, during his last stint as Chief Minister, he had met with a near fatal car accident on his way to [[Thiruvananthapuram]]. It was after a prolonged treatment in both India and [[United States of America\|U.S.A.]] that he survived.<ref>{{Cite news\|last=Praveen\|first=M. p\|date=2015-12-23\|title=Leader's aide takes ride down memory lane\|language=en-IN\|work=The Hindu\|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/leaders-aide-takes-ride-down-memory-lane/article8020258.ece\|access-date=2021-04-27\|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In the next year, Kalyanikkutty Amma died following a heart ailment.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=KRISHNAKUMAR\|first=R.\|title=Crafty patriarch\|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/other/obituary/article30174319.ece\|access-date=2021-04-27\|website=Frontline\|language=en}}</ref>

	On 3 June 1992, he had met with a near fatal car accident on his way to [[Thiruvananthapuram]].<ref>{{Cite news\|last=Praveen\|first=M. p\|date=2015-12-23\|title=Leader's aide takes ride down memory lane\|language=en-IN\|work=The Hindu\|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/leaders-aide-takes-ride-down-memory-lane/article8020258.ece\|access-date=2021-04-27\|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In ~~1993, when Karunakaran was~~ the ~~Chief Minister~~, ~~that~~ Kalyanikkutty Amma died following a heart ailment.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=KRISHNAKUMAR\|first=R.\|title=Crafty patriarch\|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/other/obituary/article30174319.ece\|access-date=2021-04-27\|website=Frontline\|language=en}}</ref>

	==Political life==		==Political life==

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{{short description|Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Kerala}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = K. Karunakaran
| native_name =
| image = File:Karunakaran_Kannoth.jpg
| image_size = 200px
| caption =
| office = [[Ministry of Commerce and Industry (India)|Minister of Industry]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prominentindianpersonalities.blogspot.in/2014/10/kkarunakaran.html|title=K. KARUNAKARAN|last=Babu|first=Sathish|date=18 October 2014|website=Prominent Indian Personalities|access-date=25 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/former-kerala-chief-minister-karunakaran-passes-away/article972326.ece|title=Former Kerala Chief Minister Karunakaran passes away|date=24 December 2010 |newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=25 June 2016}}</ref>
| primeminister = [[P. V. Narasimha Rao]]
| term_start = 11 June 1995
| term_end = 16 May 1996
| predecessor = [[Ajit Singh (politician)|Ajit Singh]]
| successor = [[Suresh Prabhu]]
| order1 = 5th
| office1 = Chief Minister of Kerala
| governor1 = [[B. Rachaiah]]
| term_start1 = 24 June 1991
| term_end1 = 16 March 1995
| predecessor1 = [[E. K. Nayanar]]
| successor1 = [[A. K. Antony]]
| governor2 = {{Unbulleted_list|[[Jothi Venkatachalam]]|[[P. Ramachandran]]}}
| deputy2 = [[C. H. Mohammed Koya]]<br/>[[K. Avukader Kutty Naha]]
| term_start2 = 24 May 1982
| term_end2 = 25 March 1987
| predecessor2 = [[President's rule]]
| successor2 = [[E. K. Nayanar]]
| governor3 = [[Jothi Venkatachalam]]
| deputy3 = C. H. Mohammed Koya
| term_start3 = 28 December 1981
| term_end3 = 17 March 1982
| predecessor3 = President's rule
| successor3 = President's rule
| governor4 = [[N. N. Wanchoo]]
| term_start4 = 25 March 1977
| term_end4 = 25 April 1977
| predecessor4 = [[C. Achutha Menon]]
| successor4 = A. K. Antony
| office5 = Minister of Home Affairs, [[Government of Kerala]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/ministers49_main.htm|title=KERALA's FIRST LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY|website=Information & Public Relations Department|access-date=25 June 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708185932/http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/ministers49_main.htm|archive-date=8 July 2016}}</ref>
| 1blankname5 = Chief Minister
| 1namedata5 = C. Achutha Menon
| term_start5 = 25 September 1971
| term_end5 = 25 March 1977
| predecessor5 = [[C. Achutha Menon]]
| successor5 = [[K. M. Mani]]
| office7 = [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Member]] of the [[Kerala Legislative Assembly]]<ref name=mala.co.in>{{cite web|url=http://www.mala.co.in/shri-k-karunakaran-and-mala|title=Shri K. Karunakaran and Mala|website=mala.co.in|publisher=Mala.co.in|access-date=25 June 2016}}</ref>
| constituency7 = [[Mala, Kerala|Mala]] (7 Terms)
| term_start7 = {{Start date|1967||}}
| term_end7 = {{End date|1996||}}
| office8 = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]]<ref name=mala.co.in/><ref name=niyamasabha.org>{{cite web|url=http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/members/m286.htm|title=K. Karunakaran|website=niyamasabha.org|publisher=Information System Section, Kerala Legislative Assembly, Thiruvananthapuram|access-date=25 June 2016}}</ref>
| term_start8 = {{Start date|1998||}}
| term_end8 = {{End date|1999||}}
| constituency8 = [[Thiruvananthapuram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Thiruvananthapuram]]
| term_start9 = {{Start date|1999||}}
| term_end9 = {{End date|2004||}}
| constituency9 = [[Mukundapuram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Mukundapuram]]
| office10 = [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha]]<ref name=mala.co.in/><ref name=niyamasabha.org/>
| term_start10 = {{Start date|1995||}}
| term_end10 = {{End date|1997||}}
| term_start11 = {{Start date|1997||}}
| term_end11 = {{Start date|1998||}}
| term_start12 = {{Start date|2004||}}
| term_end12 = {{End date|2005||}}
| office13 = Member of the [[Travancore–Cochin]] Legislative Assembly<ref name=niyamasabha.org/><ref name=stateofkerala>{{cite web|url=http://www.stateofkerala.in/niyamasabha/k_karunakaran.php|title=KERALA NIYAMASABHA: K.KARUNAKARAN|website=stateofkerala.in|publisher=stateofkerala.in|access-date=25 June 2016}}</ref>
| term_start13 = 1 July 1949
| term_end13 = 23 March 1956
| office14 = Member of the Kochi Legislative Assembly<ref name=niyamasabha.org/><ref name=stateofkerala/>
| term_start14 = {{Start date|1948||}}
| term_end14 = {{End date|1949||}}
| office15 = Councillor of [[Thrissur]]<ref name=stateofkerala/>
| term_start15 = {{Start date|1945||}}
| term_end15 = {{End date|1948||}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1918|07|05}}
| birth_place = [[Chirakkal, Kannur|Chirakkal]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British India]]<br>(present day [[Kannur district|Kannur]], [[Kerala]], India)
| nationality = [[Indian people|Indian]]
| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2010|12|23|1918|07|05}}
| death_place = [[Thiruvananthapuram district|Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Kerala]], India
| party = [[Indian National Congress]]
| spouse = {{Marriage|Kalyanikutty Amma|1954|1993|reason=died}}
| children = [[K. Muraleedharan]]<br>[[Padmaja Venugopal]]
| parents = {{Unbulleted_list|Thekkedathu Ravunni Marar|Kannoth Kalyani Amma}}
| date = 2 November
| year = 2007
| source =
https://web.archive.org/web/20070820105510/http://www.keralacm.gov.in/ek_nayanar.htm Government of Kerala
}}

'''Kannoth Karunakaran''' (5 July 1918 – 23 December 2010) was an Indian politician and member of the [[Indian National Congress]] (INC). He served as the [[Chief Minister of Kerala]] four times: for a brief period from March 1977 to April 1977, another short term from December 1981 to March 1982, after which [[president's rule]] was invoked in the state, and subsequently served from May 1982 to May 1987, and eventually from June 1991 to May 1995. He is the founder of the [[United Democratic Front (Kerala)|United Democratic Front]] (UDF), which is a political alliance in [[Kerala]] led by INC.<ref name=":1" />

He was instrumental in several massive infrastructure projects in Kerala which includes the [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]] in Kochi,<ref>{{Cite web|title=VIP Football Pavilion at Kaloor Stadium Named after K Karunakaran|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2015/aug/21/VIP-Football-Pavilion-at-Kaloor-Stadium-Named-after-K-Karunakaran-802521.html|access-date=2020-11-24|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> and the [[Cochin International Airport]], both of which were sanctioned during his last stint as Chief Minister.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|date=14 July 2014|title=Karunakaran Pavilion|work=[[The Times of India]]|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Pavilion-to-be-named-after-Karunakaran/articleshow/48063171.cms|access-date=14 July 2014}}</ref> Other major projects intoduced during the reign of Karunakaran include the [[Kerala State Film Development Corporation]], [[Goshree bridges]] of [[Kochi]], [[Guruvayur–Thrissur spur line|Guruvayur Railway Line]], [[Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Plant]] at [[Kayamkulam]], etc.<ref name="mn_2">{{Cite book|title=Chief Ministers, Ministers, and Leaders of Opposition of Kerala|last=|publisher=Secratriat of Kerala Legislature|year=2018|location=Thiruvananthapuram|pages=22|url=http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/14kla/chief%20ministers,%20ministers,%20leaders%20of%20opposition.pdf}}</ref> The [[Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala|MG University]], [[Kottayam]], was created by bifurcating [[University of Kerala]] in the year 1983. A special government department for the welfare of [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Castes]] was formed for first time in the state when K. Karunakaran became the chief minister. It was during the reign of first UDF government ([[Third Karunakaran ministry]]), that the last two districts of Kerala, namely [[Pathanamthitta district|Pathanamthitta]] and [[Kasaragod district|Kasaragod]], were carved out, making the total number of districts at 14.<ref name="mn_2"/> The first phase of [[Kollam Bypass]] was completed in 1993.

K. Karunakaran was close to former prime ministers [[Indira Gandhi]] and [[Rajiv Gandhi]].<ref name=":1">
[http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/who-was-k-karunakaran-74555?trendingnow Who was K Karunakaran?]. ''[[Press Trust of India]]''. [[NDTV]]. Retrieved 23 December 2010</ref> At the helm of his career in 1980's and 1990's he enjoyed considerable access, confidence and control at [[All India Congress Committee]] to a point that he had an important role in bringing [[P. V. Narasimha Rao]] to the [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Ministership of India]]. This earned him the sobriquet ''kingmaker.''<ref>{{Cite web|title=K Karunakaran, the Kingmaker|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2010/dec/24/k-karunakaran-the-kingmaker-213645.html|access-date=2021-04-27|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Why it worked for Congress to have a non-Gandhi face like Narasimha Rao|url=https://www.dailyo.in/politics/congress-narasimha-rao-made-history-pranab-sonia-gandhi-sanjaya-baru/story/1/13132.html|access-date=2021-04-27|website=www.dailyo.in}}</ref> He played a crucial role in nurturing and strengthening [[Indian National Congress]] into a strong political party in [[Kerala]] and enjoyed mass support of not just the party workers but the entire Anti communist solidarity that was active in [[Kerala]] then.<ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2010-12-23|title=Former Kerala Chief Minister Karunakaran passes away|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Former-Kerala-Chief-Minister-Karunakaran-passes-away/article15605617.ece|access-date=2021-04-27|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> He was called as ''Leader'' within the party circles.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff Reporter|date=2017-12-23|title=Hassan 'regrets' ousting Karunakaran in 1995|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/hassan-regrets-ousting-karunakaran-in-1995/article22267468.ece|access-date=2021-04-27|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Karunakaran was born on 5 July 1918 in [[Chirakkal, Kannur|Chirakkal]] near [[Kannur]] to Thekkedathu Ravunni Marar and Kannoth Kalyani Amma. He had two elder brothers - Kunjirama Marar and Balakrishna Marar, a younger brother - Damodara Marar (Appunni Marar) and a sister - Devaki, who died when Karunakaran was five years old. His father was a record keeper in the erstwhile [[Malabar District]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2020}}

During his childhood, Karunakaran was an expert in [[Swimming (sport)|swimming]], [[painting]], [[association football|football]] and [[volleyball]]. Though he was named Karunakara Marar, he later dropped his caste title, and came to be known just by his name.{{Citation needed|date=October 2020}}

Karunakaran started his school education by joining [[Vadakara]] Govt. Lower Primary School in 1923. Later, he studied in Andallur govt. school and the famous Raja's High School near his home in Chirakkal. After passing matriculation from Raja's High School, he went to [[Thrissur]] and joined Govt. Fine Arts' college, from where he took degrees in painting and mathematics. For treating an eye disorder, he went to his maternal uncle's home in [[Vellanikkara]] near Thrissur, along with his elder brother Kunjirama Marar. Later, he married his maternal uncle's daughter Kalyanikkutty Amma in 1954 at [[Guruvayoor Temple]], when he was 36 and Kalyanikkutty Amma was 30.

[[K. Muraleedharan]] and [[Padmaja Venugopal]], famous Congress politicians, are their children.

On 3 June 1992, he had met with a near fatal car accident on his way to [[Thiruvananthapuram]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Praveen|first=M. p|date=2015-12-23|title=Leader's aide takes ride down memory lane|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/leaders-aide-takes-ride-down-memory-lane/article8020258.ece|access-date=2021-04-27|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In 1993, when Karunakaran was the Chief Minister, that Kalyanikkutty Amma died following a heart ailment.<ref>{{Cite web|last=KRISHNAKUMAR|first=R.|title=Crafty patriarch|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/other/obituary/article30174319.ece|access-date=2021-04-27|website=Frontline|language=en}}</ref>

==Political life==
In 1937, Karunakaran joined the flood relief camps that were conducted by [[V. R. Krishnan Ezhuthachan]], [[C. Achutha Menon]], R.M. Manakkalath and other leaders of [[Kochi rajya prajamandalam|Prajamandalam]], an early freedom struggle movement in Cochin State. He became a member of the Indian National Congress and began to wear Khadi. He also participated intensively in the trade union activities in the vast Thattil rubber estates where his uncle Raghavan Nair was a 'writer'.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}} During this time, he would spare his artistic skills and labour in helping the workers' union (later INTUC) for their wall writings and campaigns. Gradually, he was picked up by Panampilly Govinda Menon as his most favourite follower.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}} In due course, Karunakaran rose to a level of the senior-most Leader of the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC). The INTUC later became one of the largest trade unions in India having with over 4 million memberships today. He went on to become the Thrissur District Congress Committee President, after which he was elected to the Cochin Legislative Assembly twice before the formation of Kerala State. He contested in the 1957 Kerala Legislative Assembly Elections against a strong trade unionist and an ex. congressmen, DR.A R Menon, when no one in the state Congress party came up front to oppose Mr. Menon. When the results came, Karunakaran lost by less than one thousand votes.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

{{Cquote|After a career of both achievements and setbacks in his 30s and most of his 40s, K. Karunakaran was allotted a ticket to contest from a Communist stronghold, Thrissur's Mala constituency, considered a "safe seat" for the Left, in the 1965 Kerala Legislative Assembly Elections. To the astonishment of most political observers, 47-year-old K. Karunakaran defeated the Communist candidate by more than 3000 votes, and went on to represent the constituency in seven successive elections: 1967, 1970, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1987, and 1991.
| author = [[Shashi Tharoor]]
| source = in an article published on Mathrubhumi online<ref>https://english.mathrubhumi.com/mobile/features/specials/one-and-only-leader--1.5302631</ref>
}}
The VIP pavilion in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in [[Kaloor]], Kochi is named after him in his honour.<ref name=":0" />

In 1977, following [[The Emergency (India)|The National Emergency (India)]] when [[Indian National Congress|Congress]] governments lost elections across the nation, Karunakaran led congress to a thumping victory securing 111 in [[1977 Kerala Legislative Assembly election]]s. However, he had to resign after one month following the controversies that emerged about [[Rajan case]].<ref name="indiatoday.in">{{Cite web|last1=August 8|first1=Rajshri Pant|last2=May 15|first2=2014 ISSUE DATE|last3=March 27|first3=1977UPDATED|last4=Ist|first4=2015 15:22|title=Rajan case: Kerala CM Karunakaran resigns|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/crime/story/19770515-rajan-case-kerala-cm-karunakaran-resigns-823684-2014-08-08|access-date=2021-04-27|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> But he emerged into center stage as a strong supporter of [[Indira Gandhi]] after emergency.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Veteran Congress Leader Karunakaran Dead|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/veteran-congress-leader-karunakaran-dead/706102|access-date=2021-04-27|website=Outlook (India)}}</ref>

The political downfall of K. Karunakaran commenced with an accident that happened to him 1992 June. After the accident K. Karunakaran was hospitalized in [[Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum]] and there was a period of crisis within the finances and administration of the state government following this.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=January 2|first1=T. N. GOPAKUMAR|last2=July 15|first2=2013 ISSUE DATE|last3=August 6|first3=1992UPDATED|last4=Ist|first4=2013 16:14|title=Kerala Chief Minister Karunakaran's road mishap cripples state|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/indiascope/story/19920715-kerala-chief-minister-karunakaran-road-mishap-cripples-state-766585-2013-01-02|access-date=2021-04-27|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> This grew into a political crisis when the affairs of state government was managed by a [[Kitchen Cabinet]] of [[K. Muraleedharan]] son of K.Karunakaran and K. Padmakumar I.A.S., Chief Secretary and trusted aide of Karunakaran.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=January 4|first1=T. N. GOPAKUMAR|last2=July 31|first2=2013 ISSUE DATE|last3=August 30|first3=1992UPDATED|last4=Ist|first4=2013 18:50|title=Karunakaran rules Kerala from bed as he recovers from his June 3 accident|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/indiascope/story/19920731-karunakaran-rules-kerala-from-bed-as-he-recovers-from-his-june-3-accident-766641-2013-01-04|access-date=2021-04-27|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> This situation embroiled a crisis within the state Congress as then Finance Minister and second in command of ruling front, [[Oommen Chandy]] belonging to the pro- [[A. K. Antony|Antony]] faction within the party was not given the charge.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kochukudy|first=Anand|title=How the ISRO espionage scandal brought a CM down|url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2018/09/17/isro-espionage-scandal-downfall-karunakaran|access-date=2021-04-27|website=Newslaundry}}</ref> By 1993, Karunakaran recovered and became active in the affairs, during this period, the discontent generated earlier was further aggravated by bringing [[K. M. Mani]] into the foray when a split occurred in [[Kerala Congress]] and [[Kerala Congress (Jacob)]] was formed.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Menon|first=Girish|date=2011-10-31|title=Instinctive politician, avid legislator|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/instinctive-politician-avid-legislator/article2583223.ece|access-date=2021-04-27|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> During this same period a correctionist(''thiruthalvadi'') group emerged within Karunakaran faction led by [[G. Karthikeyan]], [[Ramesh Chennithala]] and [[M. I. Shanavas]] against the authoritarian tendency of Karunakaran and proxy rule by his son [[K. Muraleedharan|Muraleedharan]].<ref>{{Cite web|last1=September 15|first1=T. N. GOPAKUMAR|last2=September 15|first2=1993 ISSUE DATE|last3=July 24|first3=1993UPDATED|last4=Ist|first4=2013 12:02|title=Dissidents raise banner of revolt against K. Karunakaran again|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/indiascope/story/19930915-dissidents-raise-banner-of-revolt-against-k-karunakaran-again-811527-1993-09-15|access-date=2021-04-27|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> The situation intensified into an inner party revolt when M.A, Kuttappan mooted by state Congress as [[Rajya Sabha]] nominee was denied candidature due to instruction from high command where Karunakaran had considerable influence.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{Cite web|last1=Feb 3|first1=Rajiv G. / TNN / Updated|last2=2016|last3=Ist|first3=20:06|title=Karunakaran did not resign on Isro spy case: Oommen Chandy {{!}} India News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/karunakaran-did-not-resign-on-isro-spy-case-oommen-chandy/articleshow/50837507.cms|access-date=2021-04-27|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The difference of opinion that emerged between [[Oommen Chandy]] and Karunakaran became public and vociferous with Chandy threatening to resign and giving speeches against Karunakaran.<ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2013-07-25|title=Chandy sang a different tune in 1995, says VS|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/chandy-sang-a-different-tune-in-1995-says-vs/article4950183.ece|access-date=2021-04-27|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> By the fag end of 1994, the [[Nambi Narayanan|ISRO Spy case]] emerged and the case assumed a political fervor when [[Kerala High Court]] made remarks against then [[Inspector general|Inspector General]] of [[Kerala Police]] [[Raman Srivastava|Raman Srivastava IPS]] who was close with Karunakaran.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com"/><ref>{{Cite web|title=ISRO spy case: KPCC president MM Hassan makes major revelation on removal of K Karunakaran as Kerala Chief Minister|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2017/dec/23/isro-spy-case-kpcc-president-mm-hassan-makes-major-revelation-on-removal-of-k-karunakaran-as-kerala-1735161.html|access-date=2021-04-27|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Thereafter the dissidence within party grew into a full scale crisis where [[A. K. Antony|Antony]] faction was in verge of withdrawing support to the government and then [[G. K. Moopanar]] arrived on behalf of [[P. V. Narasimha Rao]] and insisted Karunakaran to resign.<ref>{{Cite news|title=A K Antony was against Karunakaran's ouster, says KPCC president|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/a-k-antony-was-against-karunakarans-ouster-says-kpcc-president/articleshow/62231868.cms|access-date=2021-04-27}}</ref> Later ISRO case was proved baseless however after stepping down from the [[List of chief ministers of Kerala|Chief ministership of Kerala]] in 1995, Karunakaran could never rise up to higher ranks in successive governments or within the party ever.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-10-08|title=Narasimha Rao may be behind conspiracy: Karunakaran son|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/narasimha-rao-may-be-behind-conspiracy-karunakaran-son/|access-date=2021-04-27|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=January 31|first1=SHEKHAR GUPTA|last2=January 31|first2=1995 ISSUE DATE|last3=June 14|first3=1995UPDATED|last4=Ist|first4=2013 18:52|title=Indian intelligence agencies feud, work at cross-purposes bringing embarrassment|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/investigation/story/19950131-indian-intelligence-agencies-feud-work-at-cross-purposes-bringing-embarrassment-808334-1995-01-31|access-date=2021-04-27|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>

==Death==
Karunakaran died on 23 December 2010, aged 92, at Ananthapuri Hospital in [[Thiruvananthapuram]]. He was suffering from respiratory problems, fever and other age related diseases and had been hospitalized since 21 October 2010. His condition worsened following a [[stroke]] and died following a [[cardiac arrest]], as declared by doctors at 5:30 PM. It was coincidental that his death and Narasimha Rao's death was on same date, [[P. V. Narasimha Rao|Rao]] had died six years earlier in 2004. Karunakaran had played key role in backing the Rao Government and later Rao had dismissed Karunakaran from the chair of Chief Minister of Kerala.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101226153925/http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/24/stories/2010122455411100.htm Karunakaran passes away]. [[The Hindu]]. Retrieved on 23 December 2010</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/karunakaran-passes-away-bringing-curtains-down-on-era-in-kerala-politics/articleshow/7152097.cms|title=Karunakaran passes away, bringing curtains down on era in Kerala politics|author=Joe A Scaria|work=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=23 December 2010|date=23 December 2010}}</ref> His funeral was attended by the then prime minister [[Manmohan Singh]] and the AICC chief [[Sonia Gandhi]]. He was cremated with full state honors at his residence in [[Punkunnam]] [[Thrissur]].<ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2010-12-25|title=Karunakaran cremated with state honours|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/Karunakaran-cremated-with-state-honours/article15608295.ece|access-date=2021-04-27|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

==Biographies==
The first biography on him titled ''K.Karunakaran'' was written by [[Vrindavanam Venugopalan]]. Published by Islamiya Books, [[Aluva]] in 1992.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vrindavanam G Venugopal passes away|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2009/dec/27/vrindavanam-g-venugopal-passes-away-116608.html|access-date=2021-04-27|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

==Controversies==
{{more citations needed section|date=September 2020}}
K. Karunakaran was the home minister of Kerala during the [[The Emergency (India)|emergency period]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-06-21|title=Kerala Chronicles: How one missing student brought down a Congress govt in just a month|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kerala-chronicles-how-one-missing-student-brought-down-congress-govt-just-month-64012|access-date=2021-04-27|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref> After the Emergency, the [[Rajan case]] rocked Kerala politics and Karunakaran was forced to step down as the case attracted national attention.<ref name="indiatoday.in"/> A [[habeas corpus]] petition was filed by [[T.V. Eachara Warrier]] asking the state machinery to produce his son Rajan (a student of [[National Institute of Technology Calicut|Regional Engineering College, Calicut]], who actively participated in protests against the emergency declared by the Indira government) in court. Rajan was allegedly killed by the police at Kakkayam police torture camp and the body disposed off. The legal battle led by Rajan's father became one of the most remembered human rights fights in the state and diminished Karunakaran's popularity.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Remembering Rajan, the Innocent Victim of Brutal Emergency Excesses|url=https://thewire.in/politics/remembering-rajan-the-innocent-victim-of-brutal-emergency-excesses|access-date=2021-04-27|website=The Wire}}</ref>

Karunakaran was an accused in the [[Palmolein Oil Import Scam]], which was pending before the Supreme Court at the time of his death. Allegations of mass land acquisition in violation of [[Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988|Benami]] just before the construction of [[Cochin International Airport]] had also been leveled at him.

He was forced to resign due to the allegations about involvement of a senior [[Indian Police Service]] officer under him named [[Raman Srivastava]] in ISRO Espionage Scandal.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How the ISRO espionage scandal brought a CM down|url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2018/09/17/isro-espionage-scandal-downfall-karunakaran|access-date=2021-03-30|website=Newslaundry}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Only my father Karunakaran didn't get justice in ISRO spy case: K Muraleedharan on Nambi Narayanan|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/sep/14/only-my-father-karunakaran-didnt-get-justice-in-isro-spy-case-k-muraleedharan-on-nambi-narayanan-1871900.html|access-date=2021-03-30|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of chief ministers of Kerala|Chief Ministers of Kerala]]
* [[Kerala Council of Ministers|Kerala Ministers]]
* [[Democratic Indira Congress (Karunakaran)]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110102151432/http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article972362.ece The Hindu on Karunakaran]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101227074455/http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/24/stories/2010122466400100.htm News of Death of Karunakaran]
* [http://www.facebook.com/K.Karunaakaran facebook page of Karunakaran]
* {{YouTube|JWo1qyUBrOU|Reporter Tv report on K Karunakaran}}

==Further reading==
* {{Citation|title=Chief Ministers, Ministers, and Leaders of Opposition of Kerala|last=|publisher=Secratriat of [[Kerala Legislative Assembly|Kerala Legislature]]|year=2018|location=[[Thiruvananthapuram]]|url=http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/14kla/chief%20ministers,%20ministers,%20leaders%20of%20opposition.pdf}}

{{commons category|K. Karunakaran}}

{{S-start}}
{{s-off}}
{{succession box |before=[[C. Achutha Menon]] |title=[[Chief Minister of Kerala]] |years=1977 |after=[[A. K. Antony]]}}
{{succession box |before=[[E.K. Nayanar]] |title=[[Chief Minister of Kerala]] |years=1981–1987 |after=[[E.K. Nayanar]]}}
{{succession box |before=[[E.K. Nayanar]] |title=[[Chief Minister of Kerala]] |years=1991–1995 |after=[[A. K. Antony]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Chief Ministers of Kerala}}
{{Ministry of Commerce and Industry (India)}}
{{United Democratic Front (Kerala)}}
{{13th LS members from Kerala}}
{{12th LS members from Kerala}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Kannoth Karunakaran}}
[[Category:1918 births]]
[[Category:2010 deaths]]
[[Category:Chief Ministers of Kerala]]
[[Category:Nationalist Congress Party politicians from Kerala]]
[[Category:Malayali politicians]]
[[Category:Kerala politicians]]
[[Category:Politicians from Kannur]]
[[Category:Politicians from Thrissur]]
[[Category:Indian independence activists from Kerala]]
[[Category:Indian National Congress politicians from Kerala]]
[[Category:13th Lok Sabha members]]
[[Category:12th Lok Sabha members]]
[[Category:Lok Sabha members from Kerala]]
[[Category:Rajya Sabha members from Kerala]]
[[Category:Leaders of the Opposition in Kerala]]
[[Category:Chief ministers from Indian National Congress]]
[[Category:Kerala MLAs 1967–1970]]
[[Category:Kerala MLAs 1970–1977]]
[[Category:Kerala MLAs 1977–1979]]
[[Category:Kerala MLAs 1980–1982]]
[[Category:Kerala MLAs 1982–1987]]
[[Category:Kerala MLAs 1987–1991]]
[[Category:Kerala MLAs 1991–1996]]
[[Category:Members of the Travancore–Cochin Legislative Assembly]]
[[Category:Commerce and Industry Ministers of India]]