P. K. Kunhalikutty: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Indian politician}}
{{Short description|Indian politician (born 1951)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2014}}  
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2015}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
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| image              = P. K. Kunhalikutty.jpg
| image              = P. K. Kunhalikutty.jpg
| caption            = P. K. Kunhalikutty in January 2016
| caption            = P. K. Kunhalikutty in January 2016
| office1            = [[Member of Parliament (India)|Member of Parliament]]
| office              = [[List of leaders of the opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly|
| constituency1       = [[Malappuram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Malappuram]]
Deputy Leader of Opposition]] in [[Kerala Legislative Assembly]]
| term_start1         = 17 July 2017
| leader              =
| term_end1           = 3 February 2021
| term_start          = 22 May 2021
| predecessor1       = [[E. Ahamed]]
| 1blankname          =
| successor1         = [[M. P. Abdussamad Samadani]]
| 1namedata          =
<!-- -->| office2             = [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Member of Legislative Assembly]]
| office4            = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]]
| constituency4       = [[Malappuram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Malappuram]]
| term_start4         = 17 July 2017
| term_end4           = 3 February 2021
| predecessor4       = [[E. Ahamed]]
| successor4         = [[M. P. Abdussamad Samadani]]
<!-- -->| office1             = [[Kerala Legislative Assembly|Member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly]]
| predecessor1        = [[K. N. A. Khader]]
| constituency1      = [[Vengara (State Assembly constituency)|Vengara]]
| term_start1        = 20 May 2021
| term_end1          =
| predecessor2        = [[K. N. A. Khader]]
| predecessor2        = [[K. N. A. Khader]]
| constituency2      = [[Vengara (State Assembly constituency)|Vengara]]
| constituency2      = [[Vengara (State Assembly constituency)|Vengara]]
Line 18: Line 28:
| term_end2          = 2017
| term_end2          = 2017
| successor2          = [[K. N. A. Khader]]
| successor2          = [[K. N. A. Khader]]
<!-- -->| constituency3      = [[Vengara (State Assembly constituency)|Vengara]]
| term_start3        = 1991
| term_start3        = 1991
| term_end3          = 2006
| term_end3          = 2006
| successor3          = [[K. T. Jaleel]]
| successor3          = [[K. T. Jaleel]]
<!-- -->| constituency4       = [[Kuttippuram (State Assembly constituency)|Kuttippuram]]
<!-- -->| constituency3       = [[Kuttippuram (State Assembly constituency)|Kuttippuram]]
| office4             = Minister for Industries and Information Technology, [[Kerala]]
| office5             = [[Second Chandy ministry|Cabinet Minister]], [[Government of Kerala]]
| term_start4         = 23 May 2011
| governor5          = [[R. S. Gavai]]<br />[[M. O. H. Farook]]<br />[[Hansraj Bhardwaj|H. R. Bhardwaj]]<br />[[Nikhil Kumar (governor)|Nikhil Kumar]]|
| term_end4           = 19 May 2016
| term_start5         = 23 May 2011
<!-- -->| office5            = Minister for Industries, IT & Social Welfare
| term_end5           = 19 May 2016
| term_start5         = 2004
| 1blankname5        = Chief Minister
| term_end5           = 2005
| 1namedata5          = [[Oommen Chandy]]
<!-- -->| office6            = Minister for Industries and Municipalities
| 2blankname5        = Ministry and Departments
| term_start6        = 1995
| 2namedata5          = * [[Industry (economics)|Industries]]
| term_end6          = 1996
*[[IT]]
<!-- -->| office7            = Minister for Industries and Social Welfare
* Trade & Commerce
| term_start7        = 1991
* Mining & Geology
| term_end7          = 1995
* Wakf & Haj Affairs
| party              = {{flagicon image|Flag of the Indian Union Muslim League.svg}} [[Indian Union Muslim League]]
<!-- -->| 1blankname6        = Chief Minister
| 1namedata6          = [[Oommen Chandy]]
| 2blankname6        = Ministry and Departments
| 2namedata6          = *[[Industry (economics)|Industries]]
* [[IT]]
*[[Social Welfare]]
| governor6          = [[R. L. Bhatia]]
| term_start6         = 31 August 2004
| term_end6           = 12 May 2006
<!-- -->| 1blankname7        = Chief Minister
| 1namedata7          = [[A. K. Antony]]
| 2blankname7        = Ministry and Departments
| 2namedata7          = * [[Industry (economics)|Industries]]
* [[Municipalities]]
| term_start7        = 22 March 1995
| term_end7          = 9 May 1996
| governor7          = [[B. Rachaiah]]<br />[[P. Shiv Shankar]]<br />[[Khurshed Alam Khan]]
| party              = [[Indian Union Muslim League]]
| birth_name          =  
| birth_name          =  
| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|1951|6|1|df=y}}
| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|1951|6|1|df=y}}
| birth_place        = [[Oorakam]], [[Malabar District]], [[Madras state]], [[India]] (present-day [[Malappuram district]], [[Kerala]], [[India]])
| birth_place        = [[Oorakam]],   [[Madras State]], [[India]] (present-day [[Malappuram district]], [[Kerala]], [[India]])
| death_date          = <!-- {{Death date and age|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| death_date          = <!-- {{Death date and age|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| death_place        =  
| death_place        =  
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| spouse              =  
| spouse              =  
| relations          =  
| relations          =  
| children            = P. K. Ashik (son), P.K. Lasitha (daughter)
| children            = 2
| parents            =  
| parents            =  
| residence          = Panakkadu, [[Malappuram]]
| residence          = [[Panakkad]], [[Malappuram]], [[Kerala]]
| portfolio          =  
| portfolio          =  
| website            = {{URL|1=http://kerala.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3887&Itemid=3069|2=www.kerala.gov.in}}
| website            = {{URL|1=http://kerala.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3887&Itemid=3069|2=www.kerala.gov.in}}
}}
}}


'''P. K. Kunhalikutty''' (born 1 June 1951 as '''Pandikkadavath Kunhalikutty''') is an Indian politician and social worker who is a former Member of Parliament from [[Malappuram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Malappuram]] [[List of constituencies of the Lok Sabha|Parliament Constituency]] of the Indian state of [[Kerala]]. He also serves as National General Secretary of [[Indian Union Muslim League]] (IUML) from 2007.<ref name="kerala1">[http://www.kerala.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3887&Itemid=3069 Minister for Industries and Information Technology]. Kerala.gov.in. Retrieved on 23 July 2015.</ref><ref name="niyamasabha1">[http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/13kla/mem/p_k_kunhalikutty.htm Members – Kerala Legislature]. Niyamasabha.org. Retrieved on 23 July 2015.</ref> He was a member of Standing Committee on Railways, Government of India.<ref name=":0" />
'''P. K. Kunhalikutty''' (born 1 June 1951 as '''Pandikkadavath Kunhalikutty''') is an Indian politician and social worker who is the present [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Member of Legislative Assembly]] from [[Vengara Assembly constituency|Vengara Assembly Constituency]] in [[Kerala]]. He also serves as National General Secretary of [[Indian Union Muslim League]] (IUML) and Deputy Leader of opposition in Kerala Leglative Assembly.<ref name="kerala1">[http://www.kerala.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3887&Itemid=3069 Minister for Industries and Information Technology]. Kerala.gov.in. Retrieved on 23 July 2015.</ref><ref name="niyamasabha1">[http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/13kla/mem/p_k_kunhalikutty.htm Members – Kerala Legislature] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216215023/http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/13kla/mem/p_k_kunhalikutty.htm |date=16 February 2012 }}. Niyamasabha.org. Retrieved on 23 July 2015.</ref>


Kunhalikutty was born at Oorakam in [[Malabar District|Malabar district]], [[Madras State]] in 1951. He entered politics through [[Muslim Students Federation|Muslim Students Federation - MSF]] (the MSF), the student wing of [[Indian Union Muslim League]]. He served as College Union Secretary at Farook College Students Union, Kozhikode. He subsequently served as Chairman of Malappuram Municipality at the age of 29 in 1980.<ref name="kerala1" /><ref name="niyamasabha1" />
Kunhalikutty was born at Oorakam in [[Malabar District|Malabar district]], [[Madras State]] in 1951. He entered public life through students and college union politics and served as Chairman of [[Malappuram|Malappuram Municipality]] at the age of 29 in 1980.<ref name="kerala1" /><ref name="niyamasabha1" /> He was elected to the Kerala state Legislative Assembly for the first time from the [[Malappuram Assembly constituency|Malappuram Constituency]] in 1982.<ref name="kerala1" /><ref name="niyamasabha1" /> He went on to become Member of Legislative Assembly of Kerala eight times between 1982 and 2021. He also served as Minister for Industries in several [[Government of Kerala|Kerala]] Legislative Assemblies (under [[Indian National Congress|Congress]] leaders [[K. Karunakaran]], [[A. K. Antony]] and [[Oommen Chandy]]).<ref name="kerala1" /><ref name="niyamasabha1" /> Kunhalikutty served as Kerala State General Secretary of Indian Union Muslim League from 2003 - 2006 and from 2007  -  2011.<ref name=":0" />


Kunhalikutty was elected to the Kerala state Legislative Assembly for the first time from the Malappuram Constituency in 1982.<ref name="kerala1" /><ref name="niyamasabha1" /> He went on becoming Member of Legislative Assembly of Kerala for seven times between 1982 and 2016. He also served as Minister for Industries in several [[Government of Kerala|Kerala]] Legislative Assemblies (under [[Indian National Congress|Congress]] leaders [[K. Karunakaran]], [[A. K. Antony]] and [[Oommen Chandy]]).<ref name="kerala1" /><ref name="niyamasabha1" /> Kunhalikutty served as General Secretary of Indian Union Muslim League of Kerala State from 2003 - 2006 and from 2007 to 2011.<ref name=":0" />
Kunhalikutty is popularly known as "Kunjappa" among his supporters.<ref name=":3">{{cite news|author=Udayabhanu, Prem|date= 17 April 2017|title= A sneak peek at the life and times of 'Kunjappa'|newspaper=Malayala Manorama|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/in-depth/malappuram-by-election-2017/2017/04/17/sneak-peek-life-times-kunjappa-kunhalikutty.html|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20190412123513/https://english.manoramaonline.com/in-depth/malappuram-by-election-2017/2017/04/17/sneak-peek-life-times-kunjappa-kunhalikutty.html|archivedate=2019-04-12}}</ref> He is known for his deep 'bonding' to [[United Democratic Front (Kerala)|United Democratic Front]], the decades-old [[Indian National Congress|Congress]]-led pre-poll alliance in Kerala.<ref name=":3" /> As per ''Malayala Manorama'' daily, "the persuasive charm" of Kunhalikutty is widely respected by his political peers and rivals.<ref name=":3" /> He is also known for his 'vast experience in crafting strategic moves', and having 'weathered many a storm in his political career'.<ref name=":1" /> The ''Outlook'' magazine once described Kunhalikutty as "Indian Union Muslim League's backbone in Kerala politics."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/e-ahameds-daughter-fouzia-emerges-as-a-political-face-in-keralas-misogynistic-mu/298000|title=E. Ahamed's Daughter Fouzia Emerges As A Political Face In Kerala's Misogynistic Muslim League|website=Outlook (India)|date=27 January 2018 |access-date=2019-04-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-05|title=Explained: The importance of Kunhalikutty in Kerala Assembly elections|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-the-importance-of-kunhalikutty-in-kerala-assembly-elections-7174620/|access-date=2021-02-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>
 
Kunhalikutty is popularly known as "Kunjappa" among his supporters.<ref name=":3">Udayabhanu, Prem. (2017, April 17). A sneak peek at the life and times of 'Kunjappa'. ''Malayala Manorama''. Retrieved from https://english.manoramaonline.com [https://english.manoramaonline.com/in-depth/malappuram-by-election-2017/2017/04/17/sneak-peek-life-times-kunjappa-kunhalikutty.html] [https://web.archive.org/web/20190412123513/https://english.manoramaonline.com/in-depth/malappuram-by-election-2017/2017/04/17/sneak-peek-life-times-kunjappa-kunhalikutty.html]</ref> He is known for his deep 'bonding' to [[United Democratic Front (Kerala)|United Democratic Front]], the decades-old [[Indian National Congress|Congress]]-lead pre-poll alliance in Kerala.<ref name=":3" /> As per ''Malayala Manorama'' daily, "the persuasive charm" of Kunhalikutty is widely respected by his political peers and rivals.<ref name=":3" /> He is also known for his 'vast experience in crafting strategic moves' , and having 'weathered many a storm in his political career' .<ref name=":1" /> The ''Outlook'' magazine once described Kunhalikutty as "[[Indian Union Muslim League]]'s backbone in Kerala politics."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/e-ahameds-daughter-fouzia-emerges-as-a-political-face-in-keralas-misogynistic-mu/298000|title=E. Ahamed's Daughter Fouzia Emerges As A Political Face In Kerala's Misogynistic Muslim League|website=Outlook (India)|access-date=2019-04-12}}</ref> He is widely regarded as the troubleshooter within [[United Democratic Front (Kerala)]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-05|title=Explained: The importance of Kunhalikutty in Kerala Assembly elections|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-the-importance-of-kunhalikutty-in-kerala-assembly-elections-7174620/|access-date=2021-02-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>


==Background and career ==
==Background and career ==
P. K. Kunhalikutty was born on 1 June 1951 at [[Oorakam]], Melmuri in present-day [[Malappuram district|Malappuram District]] as the son of Pandikkadavath Mohamed Haji and  K. P. Fathima Kutty.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://164.100.47.194/Loksabha/Members/MemberBioprofile.aspx?mpsno=4941|title=Members : Lok Sabha|website=164.100.47.194|access-date=2019-04-09}}</ref> He completed his secondary education from G. V. H. S. S Vengara. He has an under-graduate degree in Commerce from Sir Syed College, Thaliparamba. He was also educated at Farook College, Kozhikode.<ref name=":0" /> He is also a Post-Graduate Diploma holder in Business Management.<ref name="kerala1" /><ref name="niyamasabha1" />
P. K. Kunhalikutty was born on 1 June 1951 at [[Oorakam]], Melmuri in present-day [[Malappuram district|Malappuram District]] as the son of Pandikkadavath Mohamed Haji and  K. P. Fathima Kutty.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://164.100.47.194/Loksabha/Members/MemberBioprofile.aspx?mpsno=4941|title=Members : Lok Sabha|website=164.100.47.194|access-date=2019-04-09}}</ref> He completed his secondary education from G. V. H. S. S. Vengara. He has an under-graduate degree in commerce from [[Sir Syed College (Taliparamba)|Sir Syed College]], [[Taliparamba]]. He was also educated at [[Farook College]], [[Kozhikode]].<ref name=":0" /> He is also a Post-Graduate Diploma holder in Business Management.<ref name="kerala1" /><ref name="niyamasabha1" />


=== Personal life ===
=== Personal life ===
Kunhalikutty is married to K. M. Ummul Kulza<ref name=":0" /> and the couple have two children named P.K. Hashique married to Tania Hashique and Lasitha P.K married to Kudal Abu Zulfeiq. <ref name="kerala1" /><ref name="niyamasabha1" /> He spends his spare time in vegetable cultivation at a plot near his residence and in ornamental fish farming.<ref>''Malayalam Manorama'' Correspondent. (2017, April 10). കുഞ്ഞാലിക്കുട്ടി എങ്ങനെ കുഞ്ഞാപ്പയായി? ചില മലപ്പുറം കൗതുക കാഴ്ചകൾ. ''Malayala Manorama''. Retrieved from https://www.manoramaonline.com [https://www.manoramaonline.com/news/latest-news/2017/04/10/malappuram-by-election-candidates.html#] [https://web.archive.org/web/20190412124547/https://www.manoramaonline.com/news/latest-news/2017/04/10/malappuram-by-election-candidates.html]</ref> The chairman of Koyenco group, P.P. Koya is brother in law of P.K. Kunhalikutty.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Damodaran|first=Harish|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=92F7DwAAQBAJ&q=kunhalikutti+koyenco&pg=PT336|title=INDIA'S NEW CAPITALISTS: Caste, Business, and Industry in a Modern Nation|date=2018-11-25|publisher=Hachette India|isbn=978-93-5195-280-0|language=en}}</ref>
Kunhalikutty is married to K. M. Ummul Kulza<ref name=":0" /> and the couple have two children.<ref name="kerala1" /><ref name="niyamasabha1" /> He spends his spare time in vegetable cultivation at a plot near his residence and in ornamental fish farming.<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 April 2017 |title=Kunhalikutty Engane Kunjappayayi? Chila Malappuram Kauthuka Kazhchakal |work=Malayala Manorama |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/news/latest-news/2017/04/10/malappuram-by-election-candidates.html# |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412124547/https://www.manoramaonline.com/news/latest-news/2017/04/10/malappuram-by-election-candidates.html |archive-date=12 April 2019}}</ref>
 
The chairman of Koyenco Group, P. P. Koya, is brother-in-law of P. K. Kunhalikutty.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Damodaran|first=Harish|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=92F7DwAAQBAJ&q=kunhalikutti+koyenco&pg=PT336|title=INDIA'S NEW CAPITALISTS: Caste, Business, and Industry in a Modern Nation|date=2018-11-25|publisher=Hachette India|isbn=978-93-5195-280-0|language=en}}</ref>


==Political career==
==Political career==
Kunhalikutty is also the National General Secretary of [[Indian Union Muslim League]] (IUML) from 2007.<ref name="kerala1" /><ref name="niyamasabha1" /> He was National Treasurer, [[Indian Union Muslim League]]. He is also serving presently as Director, ''Chandrika'' daily and Director, Muhammed Koya International Foundation.<ref name="kerala1" /><ref name="niyamasabha1" /> From May 2016 to April 2017, he served as Deputy Leader of Opposition, [[Kerala Legislative Assembly]]. From May 2017 to January 2018, he was a member in Committee on Government Assurances, Government of India.<ref name=":0" />
Kunhalikutty is also the National General Secretary of Indian Union Muslim League, (IUML).<ref name="kerala1" /><ref name="niyamasabha1" /> He earlier served as Kerala State General Secretary,  Indian Union Muslim League from 2003 - 2006 and 2007 - 2011.<ref name=":0" /> He was National Treasurer, Indian Union Muslim League.<ref name="niyamasabha1" />
 
He is also serving presently as Director, ''Chandrika'' daily and Director, Muhammed Koya International Foundation.<ref name="kerala1" /><ref name="niyamasabha1" /> From May 2016 to April 2017, he served as Deputy Leader of Opposition, [[Kerala Legislative Assembly]].<ref name=":0" />


=== 1980 Malappuram Municipality chairman ===
=== 1980 Malappuram Municipality chairman ===
Kunhalikutty entered politics through [[Muslim Students Federation|Muslim Students Federation (the MSF)]], the student wing of [[Indian Union Muslim League]]. He later became State Treasurer, [[Muslim Students Federation|Muslim Students Federation - MSF]]. He also served as Secretary, Farook College Students Union.<ref name=":0" />
Kunhalikutty entered politics through [[Muslim Students Federation (I. U. M. L.)|Muslim Students Federation (the MSF)]], the student wing of [[Indian Union Muslim League]]. He later became State Treasurer, [[Muslim Students Federation (I. U. M. L.)|Muslim Students Federation]]. He also served as Secretary, Farook College Students Union. He completed graduation at [[Sir syed college]], Taliparamb.<ref name=":0" />
 
He subsequently served as Chairman, Malappuram Municipality - at the age of 29 - in 1980.<ref name="kerala1" /><ref name="niyamasabha1" /> The ''Indian Express'' later wrote, "he became the blue-eyed boy of the [respected] Panakkad Thangal family after displaying political acumen and charisma upon being elected Malappuram Municipality chairman in 1980".<ref name=":1">(2017, April 17). IUML's warhorse saddles up for national sojourn. ''The New Indian Express''. Retrieved from http://www.newindianexpress.com [http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2017/apr/18/iumls-warhorse-saddles-up-for-national-sojourn-1594726.html] [https://web.archive.org/web/20190412124154/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2017/apr/18/iumls-warhorse-saddles-up-for-national-sojourn-1594726.html]</ref> Rise of Kunhalikutty in [[Indian Union Muslim League]] after the 1980 victory was later described media as "meteoric".<ref name=":3" />


=== Appointment in K. Karunakaran Ministry ===
He subsequently served as chairman, Malappuram Municipality, at the age of 29, in 1980.<ref name="kerala1" /><ref name="niyamasabha1" /> The ''Indian Express'' later wrote, "he became the blue-eyed boy of the [respected] Panakkad Thangal family after displaying political acumen and charisma upon being elected Malappuram Municipality chairman in 1980".<ref name=":1">{{cite news|date=17 April 2017|title= IUML's warhorse saddles up for national sojourn|newspaper=The New Indian Express|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2017/apr/18/iumls-warhorse-saddles-up-for-national-sojourn-1594726.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412124154/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2017/apr/18/iumls-warhorse-saddles-up-for-national-sojourn-1594726.html|archive-date=2019-04-12}}</ref> Rise of Kunhalikutty in [[Indian Union Muslim League]] after the 1980 victory was later described by the media as "meteoric".<ref name=":3" />
Kunhalikutty served as Minister for Industries and Social Welfare from 1991 to 1995 in the [[K. Karunakaran]] Ministry (1991-95). The appointment in K. Karunakaran Ministry is often called as "the real break" in Kunhalikutty's political career.<ref name=":1" /> As per observers, the selection was an indication of senior leader [[K. Karunakaran]]'s regard for the young League politician.<ref name=":3" />


=== Tenure in Kerala Legislative Assembly ===
=== Tenures in Kerala Legislative Assembly ===
Kunhalikutty has been elected to Kerala Legislative Assembly seven times, in 1982 and 1987, contesting from Malappuram Constituency, and in 1991, 1996 and 2001, from [[Kuttippuram (State Assembly constituency)|Kuttippuram Constituency]] and in 2011 and 2016 from Vengara Constituency.<ref name=":0" /> In the 2006 [[Left Democratic Front (Kerala)|Left Democratic Front]] wave in Kerala, Kunhalikutty was defeated by [[K. T. Jaleel|K.T. Jaleel]] in Kuttippuram Constituency.<ref name=":3" />
Kunhalikutty has been elected to Kerala Legislative Assembly eight times, in 1982 and 1987, contesting from [[Malappuram Assembly constituency|Malappuram Assembly Constituency]], and in 1991, 1996 and 2001, from [[Kuttippuram (State Assembly constituency)|Kuttippuram Constituency]] and in 2011, 2016 and 2021 from [[Vengara Assembly constituency|Vengara Constituency]].<ref name=":0" /> In the 2006 [[Left Democratic Front (Kerala)|Left Democratic Front]] wave in Kerala, Kunhalikutty was defeated by [[K. T. Jaleel|K.T. Jaleel]] in Kuttippuram Constituency.<ref name=":3" />


=== Career as Minister for Industries  ===
=== Career as Minister for Industries  ===
Kunhalikutty served as Minister for Industries and Social Welfare from 1991 to 1995 in the [[K. Karunakaran]] Ministry (1991–95).<ref name=":1" /> As per observers, the selection was an indication of senior leader [[K. Karunakaran]]'s regard for the "young League politician".<ref name=":3" />


Kunhalikutty went on to serve as Minister for Industries and Municipalities from 1995 to 1996, and Minister for Industries, IT and Social Welfare from 2001 to 2004, in two A. K. Antony Ministries and Minister for Industries, IT and Social Welfare, from 2004 to 2005 in the Oommen Chandy Ministry.<ref name="kerala1" /><ref name="niyamasabha1" /> In 2011 he was the most wealthiest member in the cabinet of [[Oommen Chandy]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Devasia|first=T. K.|title=Kunhalikutty is the richest in Kerala cabinet|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/international/kunhalikutty-is-the-richest-in-kerala-cabinet|access-date=2021-02-25|website=Khaleej Times|language=en}}</ref>[[File:Manmohan Singh addressing at the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, in Kochi. The Union Minister for External Affairs, Shri Salman Khursheed and the Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri E. Ahamed are also seen (cropped).jpg|thumb|P. K. Kunhalikutty (third from right) with the then Prime Minister [[Dr. Manmohan Singh]] at the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (2013), in Kochi|365x365px|center]]Kunhalikutty served as General Secretary, Kerala State, [[Indian Union Muslim League]] from 2003 - 2006 and 2007 to 2011.<ref name=":0" />
Kunhalikutty went on to serve as Minister for Industries and Municipalities from 1995 to 1996, and Minister for Industries, IT and Social Welfare from 2001 to 2004, in two [[A. K. Antony]] Ministries and Minister for Industries, IT and Social Welfare, from 2004 to 2005 in the [[Oommen Chandy]] Ministry.<ref name="kerala1" /><ref name="niyamasabha1" /> In 2011 he was the wealthiest member in the cabinet of [[Oommen Chandy]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Devasia|first=T. K.|title=Kunhalikutty is the richest in Kerala cabinet|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/international/kunhalikutty-is-the-richest-in-kerala-cabinet|access-date=2021-02-25|website=Khaleej Times|language=en}}</ref> and served as Minister for the remarkable IT Project [[Akshaya project]] in 2002.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2003-06-01 |title=Kerala embarks on mass computer literacy drive |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/kerala-embarks-on-mass-computer-literacy-drive/articleshow/1106.cms |access-date=2023-08-17 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
 
=== Member of Parliament ===
Kunhalikutty got elected as Member of Parliament from [[Malappuram (Lok Sabha constituency)]] in 2017 in a bye-election.<ref>[http://english.manoramaonline.com/in-depth/malappuram-by-election-2017/2017/04/16/malappuram-by-poll-results-iuml-kunhalikutty-udf-ldf-kerala.html Malappuram Election Result]</ref> The election was a result of the death of former Union Minister and senior IUML leader [[E. Ahamed]]. Kunhalikutty won from all the seven Assembly constituencies of the [[List of constituencies of the Lok Sabha|Parliament Constituency]].<ref>Press Trust of India. (2017 April 17). Muslim League wins big to retain Malappuram Lok Sabha seat. ''The Hindu Business Line''. Retrieved from https://www.thehindubusinessline.com [https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/muslim-league-wins-big-to-retain-malappuram-lok-sabha-seat/article9644277.ece] [https://web.archive.org/web/20190412125124/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/muslim-league-wins-big-to-retain-malappuram-lok-sabha-seat/article9644277.ece]</ref> He was reelected to Malappuram during the [[2019 Indian general election|2019 General Elections]]. In February 2021, he resigned from the Lok Sabha to contest the [[2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election]].<ref>{{cite news |title=IUML leader PK Kunhalikutty resigns as MP to contest Kerala Assembly polls |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/iuml-leader-pk-kunhalikutty-resigns-mp-contest-kerala-assembly-polls-142764 |access-date=8 March 2021 |work=The News Minute |date=4 February 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Currently he is the MLA of [[Vengara (State Assembly constituency)|Vengara state constituency]] of Kerala.


== Minister in different Kerala ministries ==
[[File:P._K._Kunhalikutty_with_Oommen_Chandy_(2012)_(cropped).jpg|thumb|349x349px|P. K. Kunhalikutty with [[Oommen Chandy]] (2012)]] 
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
![[United Democratic Front (Kerala)|UDF]] term!! Chief Minister !! Period !! Portfolio
![[United Democratic Front (Kerala)|U D F]] term!! Chief Minister !! Period !! Portfolios
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" |1991–1996||[[K. Karunakaran]] || 1991–95 || Industries and Social Welfare
| rowspan="2" |1991–1996||[[K. Karunakaran]] || 1991–95 ||Industries and Social Welfare
|-
|-
|[[A. K. Antony]] || 1995–96 || Industries and Municipalities
|[[A. K. Antony]] || 1995–96 || Industries and Municipalities
Line 102: Line 123:
|-
|-
|2011–2016||[[Oommen Chandy]] || 2011–16|| Industries, Information Technology, Haj and Wakf and Mining and Geology
|2011–2016||[[Oommen Chandy]] || 2011–16|| Industries, Information Technology, Haj and Wakf and Mining and Geology
|}
|}[[File:P._K._Kunhalikutty_with_Oommen_Chandy_(2012)_(cropped).jpg|thumb|314x314px|P. K. Kunhalikutty with [[Oommen Chandy]] (2012)]]
 
=== Member of Parliament ===
Kunhalikutty got elected as [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha|Member of Parliament]] from [[Malappuram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Malappuram]] [[List of constituencies of the Lok Sabha|Parliamentary Constituency]] in 2017 in a by-election.<ref>[http://english.manoramaonline.com/in-depth/malappuram-by-election-2017/2017/04/16/malappuram-by-poll-results-iuml-kunhalikutty-udf-ldf-kerala.html Malappuram Election Result]</ref> The election was a result of the death of former Minister of State for External Affairs and senior IUML leader [[E. Ahamed]]. Kunhalikutty won from all the seven Assembly constituencies of the [[List of constituencies of the Lok Sabha|Parliament Constituency]].<ref>{{cite news|publisher=Press Trust of India|date=17 April 2017|title=Muslim League wins big to retain Malappuram Lok Sabha seat|newspaper=The Hindu Business Line|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/muslim-league-wins-big-to-retain-malappuram-lok-sabha-seat/article9644277.ece|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412125124/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/muslim-league-wins-big-to-retain-malappuram-lok-sabha-seat/article9644277.ece|archivedate=2019-04-12}}</ref> He was re-elected to Malappuram during the [[2019 Indian general election|2019 general elections]].<ref name=":2" />
 
He was a member of Standing Committee on Railways, Government of India.<ref name=":0" /> From May 2017 to January 2018, he was a member in Committee on Government Assurances, Government of India.<ref name=":0" />
 
=== Return to Legislative Assembly ===
In February 2021, Kunhalikutty resigned from the Lok Sabha to contest the [[2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election]].<ref name=":2">{{cite news |title=IUML leader PK Kunhalikutty resigns as MP to contest Kerala Assembly polls |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/iuml-leader-pk-kunhalikutty-resigns-mp-contest-kerala-assembly-polls-142764 |access-date=8 March 2021 |work=The News Minute |date=4 February 2021 |language=en}}</ref> He is currently a [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Member of Legislative Assembly]] from [[Vengara Assembly constituency|Vengara Assembly Constituency]].[[File:Manmohan Singh addressing at the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, in Kochi. The Union Minister for External Affairs, Shri Salman Khursheed and the Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri E. Ahamed are also seen (cropped).jpg|thumb|P. K. Kunhalikutty (third from right) with the then Prime Minister [[Dr. Manmohan Singh]] at the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (2013) in Kochi|555x555px|center]]


==Controversies==
== Controversies ==
P. K. Kunhalikutty experienced electoral defeat only in 2006 Kerala state assembly elections due to his involvement in the 1997 [[Ice cream parlour sex scandal]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 15, 2004|first=M. G. |last=Radhakrishnan|title=8-year-old sex scandal haunts Kerala minister P.K. Kunhalikutty, rocks govt|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/states/kerala/story/20041115-8-year-old-sex-scandal-haunts-kerala-minister-pk-kunhalikutty-789418-2004-11-15|access-date=2021-02-25|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> A closure report in the case was filed in the trial court later by the Special Investigation Team. There were severe allegation levelled in relation with this case including death of two girls in Kozhikode.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Plea filed for fresh probe into girls' death|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2011/mar/18/plea-filed-for-fresh-probe-into-girls-death-236754.html|access-date=2021-02-26|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> The [[Supreme Court of India]] had in 2016 dismissed a petition from the opposition communists seeking a federal probe into the case.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mathrubhumi|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/electioneering-in-malappuram-ls-by-poll-hots-up-1.1849448|last=|first=|date=|website=|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524093950/https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/electioneering-in-malappuram-ls-by-poll-hots-up-1.1849448|archive-date=2020-05-24|access-date=}}</ref>
P. K. Kunhalikutty experienced electoral defeat only in 2006 Kerala state assembly elections due to his involvement in the 1997 [[Ice cream parlour sex scandal]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 15, 2004|first=M. G. |last=Radhakrishnan|title=8-year-old sex scandal haunts Kerala minister P.K. Kunhalikutty, rocks govt|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/states/kerala/story/20041115-8-year-old-sex-scandal-haunts-kerala-minister-pk-kunhalikutty-789418-2004-11-15|access-date=2021-02-25|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> A closure report in the case was filed in the trial court later by the Special Investigation Team. There were severe allegations levelled in relation to this case including death of two girls in Kozhikode.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Plea filed for fresh probe into girls' death|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2011/mar/18/plea-filed-for-fresh-probe-into-girls-death-236754.html|access-date=2021-02-26|website=The New Indian Express|date=16 May 2012 }}</ref> The [[Supreme Court of India]] had in 2016 dismissed a petition from the opposition communists seeking a federal probe into the case.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mathrubhumi|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/electioneering-in-malappuram-ls-by-poll-hots-up-1.1849448|last=|first=|date=5 April 2017|website=|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524093950/https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/electioneering-in-malappuram-ls-by-poll-hots-up-1.1849448|archive-date=2020-05-24|access-date=}}</ref>


There were allegations in relations with [[2020 Kerala gold smuggling case]] that one of the key accused, K.T. Ramees that he is a relative of P.K. Kunhalikutty.<ref>{{Cite web|last=M.K|first=Nidheesh|date=2020-07-12|title=Malappuram-based businessman in customs custody over Kerala gold smuggling case|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/malappuram-based-businessman-in-customs-custody-over-kerala-gold-smuggling-case-11594555754368.html|access-date=2021-02-25|website=mint|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=NIA Arrests PK Kunhalikutty's Kin Rameez in Gold Smuggling Case; Chakkiri Ahmed Also A Relative|url=https://www.deshabhimani.com/english/news/kerala/gold-smuggling-pk-kunhalikutty-relative-chakkiri-ahmed/2395|access-date=2021-02-25|website=Deshabhimani|language=en}}</ref>
There were allegations in relation to [[2020 Kerala gold smuggling case]] that one of the key accused, K.T. Ramees is a relative of P.K. Kunhalikutty.<ref>{{Cite web|last=M.K|first=Nidheesh|date=2020-07-12|title=Malappuram-based businessman in customs custody over Kerala gold smuggling case|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/malappuram-based-businessman-in-customs-custody-over-kerala-gold-smuggling-case-11594555754368.html|access-date=2021-02-25|website=mint|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=NIA Arrests PK Kunhalikutty's Kin Rameez in Gold Smuggling Case; Chakkiri Ahmed Also A Relative|url=https://www.deshabhimani.com/english/news/kerala/gold-smuggling-pk-kunhalikutty-relative-chakkiri-ahmed/2395|access-date=2021-02-25|website=Deshabhimani|language=en}}</ref>


He skipped [[Lok Sabha]] session and was attending a marriage in [[Dubai]] when parliamentary proceedings over [[Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019|Triple Talaq abolition bill]] was taking place. <ref>{{Cite web|date=December 29, 2018|title=Kunhalikutty slammed for skipping talaq voting|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/kunhalikutty-slammedfor-skipping-talaq-voting/articleshow/67293577.cms|access-date=2021-02-25|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=December 28, 2018|first=Gladwin|last=Emmanuel|title=P K Kunhalikutty skips Parliament debate, stirs controversy|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/iuml-national-leader-p-k-kunhalikutty-stirs-controversy-for-skipping-triple-talaq-bill-debate/articleshow/67287684.cms|access-date=2021-02-25|website=Mumbai Mirror|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 17, 2021|title=Kunhalikutty has Rs 300 crore worth of black money deposit in coop bank: Jaleel|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2021/aug/14/jaleel-kunhalikutty-has-rs-300-cr-worth-of-black-money-deposit-in-coop-bank-2344479.html|access-date=2021-08-17|website=newindianexpress.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 17, 2021|title=Kunhalikutty has Rs 300 crore worth of black money deposit in malappuram bank|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2021/08/13/kunhalikutty-jaleel-black-money-malappuram-bank.html|access-date=2021-08-17|website=manorama.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 17, 2021|title=Kunhalikutty betrayed Thangal for ‘four silver coins’: KT Jaleel|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/kunhalikutty-betrayed-thangal-for-four-silver-coins-kt-jaleel-uae-edition-of-chandrika-daily-kmcc-kerala-assembly-session-1.5886088|access-date=2021-08-18|website=mathrubhumi.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 18, 2021|title=/kunhalikutty siphoned off crores from co-op-bank in malappuram|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2021/08/18/kunhalikutty-siphoned-off-crores-from-co-op-bank-in-malappuram-j.html|website=manorama.com|language=en}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|date=August 19, 2021|title=IUML leader-turned-CPM fellow traveller K T Jaleel takes sweet revenge|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/politics/240516/iuml-leader-turned-cpm-fellow-traveller-k-t-jaleel-takes-sweet-revenge.html|website=deccanchronicle.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 21, 2021|title=ED should summon Kunhalikutty, not Thangal: KT Jaleel|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2021/aug/06/ed-should-summon-kunhalikutty-not-thangalkt-jaleel-2340833.html|website=newindianexpress.com|language=en}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|date=August 21, 2021|title=P K Kunhalikutty laundered money, says Kerala former minister|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/kunhalikutty-laundered-money-jaleel/articleshow/85051181.cms|website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com|language=en}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|date=August 22, 2021|title=kt jaleel against pk kunhalikutty|url=https://www.mangalam.com/news/detail/507894-latest-news-kt-jaleel-against-pk-kunhalikutty.html|website=mangalam.com|language=ml}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 24, 2021|title=kt Jaleel against pk Kunhalikutty|url=https://www.deshabhimani.com/news/kerala/k-t-jaleel-p-k-kunjalikkuty-muslim-league/961697|website=www.deshabhimani.com|language=ml}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 24, 2021|title=kt Jaleel on iuml pk Kunhalikutty|url=https://www.manoramanews.com/news/breaking-news/2021/08/07/jaleel-on-iuml-pk-kunhalikutty-07.html|website=manoramanews.com|language=ml}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 24, 2021|title=kt jaleel to pk kunhalikutty sons nri investment in co-operative bank|url=https://www.madhyamam.com/kerala/kt-jaleel-to-pk-kunhalikutty-sons-nri-investment-in-co-operative-bank-833026|website=madhyamam.com|language=ml}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 24, 2021|title=money laundering scandal:|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2021/08/05/money-laundering-jaleel-panakkad-kunhalikutty.html|website=manorama.com|language=ml}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 24, 2021|title=kunhalikutty has rs 300 crore value of black cash deposit|url=https://canadianpathram.com/2021/08/13/kunhalikutty-has-rs-300-crore-value-of-black-cash-deposit-in-coop-financial-institution-jaleel/|website=canadianpathram.com|language=ml}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=September 2, 2021|title=kt jaleel arrived enforcement directorate|url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/kt-jaleel-arrived-enforcement-directorate-submit-evidence-against-pk-kunhalikutty-1.5965790/|website=mathrubhumi|language=ml}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=September 2, 2021|title=kt jaleel at ed office|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/news/latest-news/2021/09/02/kt-jaleel-at-ed-office-kochi.html/|website=manorama|language=ml}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=September 2, 2021|title=malappuram ar nagar bank case|url=https://www.janmabhumi.in/news/kerala/malappuram-ar-nagar-bank-case-kt-jaleel-produce-evidence-before-ed|website=janmabhumi.in|language=ml}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=September 2, 2021|title=kt jaleel at ed office|url=https://www.tatwamayinews.com/kt-jaleel-arrived-enforcement-directorate-submit-evidence-against-pk-kunhalikutty/|website=tatwamayinews.com|language=ml}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=September 2, 2021|title=money laundering ed demanded kt jalil|url=https://www.sirajlive.com/money-laundering-ed-demanded-kt-jalil-says-he-gave-evidence-against-kunhalikutty.html|website=sirajlive.com|language=ml}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=September 2, 2021|title=kt jaleel pk kunjalikkutty ed chandrika fund fraud|url=https://www.doolnews.com/kt-jaleel-pk-kunjalikkutty-ed-chandrika-fund-fraud-546.html|website=doolnews.com|language=ml}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=September 4, 2021|title=Jaleel reaches ED office, says Kunhalikutty will be quizzed on Thursday|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2021/sep/03/jaleel-reaches-ed-office-says-kunhalikutty-will-be-quizzed-on-thursday-2353555.html|website=newindianexpress.com|language=en}}</ref>
In 2018, he skipped a [[Lok Sabha]] session for attending a marriage in [[Dubai]] when parliamentary proceedings over ''Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2018'' were taking place. He was heavily criticised for his behaviour as the bill was about the criminalisation of [[triple talaq in India]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-12-29|title=Kunhalikutty slammed for skipping talaq voting|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/kunhalikutty-slammedfor-skipping-talaq-voting/articleshow/67293577.cms|access-date=2021-02-25|work=[[The Times of India]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kunhalikutty-draws-flak-for-missing-triple-talaq-voting/article25852578.ece |title=Kunhalikutty draws flak for missing triple talaq voting |date=2018-12-28 |access-date=2024-06-19 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003201043/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kunhalikutty-draws-flak-for-missing-triple-talaq-voting/article25852578.ece |archive-date=2020-10-03 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>


In 2011, there was plea before Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau Court, Thrissur made by Andul Aziz from [[National Secular Conference]] to undertake a probe into wealth amassed by P.K. Kunhalikutty and his relatives.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Inquiry into complaints on Kunhalikutty begins|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2011/aug/13/inquiry-into-complaints-on-kunhalikutty-begins-281098.html|access-date=2021-02-26|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> The plea had mention about investments made into Seashore Rolling Engineering Company owned by son of P.K. Kunhalikutty.<ref>{{Cite web|title=PressReader.com - Your favorite newspapers and magazines.|url=https://www.pressreader.com/oman/oman-daily-observer/20110907/282046208812760|access-date=2021-02-26|website=www.pressreader.com}}</ref> The plea was dismissed by the VACB court due to inadequate evidences to support the claim.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Plea against Kunhalikutty rejected|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2011/sep/07/plea-against-kunhalikutty-rejected-288615.html|access-date=2021-02-26|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
In 2011, there was plea before Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau Court, Thrissur made by Andul Aziz from [[National Secular Conference]] to undertake a probe into wealth amassed by P.K. Kunhalikutty and his relatives.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Inquiry into complaints on Kunhalikutty begins|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2011/aug/13/inquiry-into-complaints-on-kunhalikutty-begins-281098.html|access-date=2021-02-26|website=The New Indian Express|date=16 May 2012 }}</ref> The plea had mention about investments made into Seashore Rolling Engineering Company owned by son of P.K. Kunhalikutty.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Court rejects plea for investigation into Kerala industries minister |url=https://www.pressreader.com/oman/oman-daily-observer/20110907/282046208812760|access-date=2021-02-26|via=PressReader}}</ref> The plea was dismissed by the VACB court due to inadequate evidences to support the claim.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Plea against Kunhalikutty rejected|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2011/sep/07/plea-against-kunhalikutty-rejected-288615.html|access-date=2021-02-26|website=The New Indian Express|date=16 May 2012 }}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
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[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:Indian Muslims]]
[[Category:Malayali politicians]]
[[Category:Malayali politicians]]
[[Category:People from Malappuram district]]
[[Category:Politicians from Malappuram district]]
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[[Category:India MPs 2019–2024]]
[[Category:Kerala MLAs 2021–2026]]
[[Category:State cabinet ministers of Kerala]]

Latest revision as of 00:47, 18 March 2026


P. K. Kunhalikutty
P. K. Kunhalikutty in January 2016
Deputy Leader of Opposition in Kerala Legislative Assembly
Assumed office
22 May 2021
Member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly
Assumed office
20 May 2021
Preceded byK. N. A. Khader
ConstituencyVengara
In office
2011–2017
Preceded byK. N. A. Khader
Succeeded byK. N. A. Khader
ConstituencyVengara
In office
1991–2006
Succeeded byK. T. Jaleel
ConstituencyKuttippuram
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
In office
17 July 2017 – 3 February 2021
Preceded byE. Ahamed
Succeeded byM. P. Abdussamad Samadani
ConstituencyMalappuram
Cabinet Minister, Government of Kerala
In office
23 May 2011 – 19 May 2016
GovernorR. S. Gavai
M. O. H. Farook
H. R. Bhardwaj
Nikhil Kumar
Chief MinisterOommen Chandy
Ministry and Departments
  • Industries
  • IT
  • Trade & Commerce
  • Mining & Geology
  • Wakf & Haj Affairs
In office
31 August 2004 – 12 May 2006
GovernorR. L. Bhatia
Chief MinisterOommen Chandy
Ministry and Departments
In office
22 March 1995 – 9 May 1996
GovernorB. Rachaiah
P. Shiv Shankar
Khurshed Alam Khan
Chief MinisterA. K. Antony
Ministry and Departments
Personal details
Born (1951-06-01) 1 June 1951 (age 75)
Oorakam, Madras State, India (present-day Malappuram district, Kerala, India)
Nationality Indian
Political partyIndian Union Muslim League
Children2
ResidencePanakkad, Malappuram, Kerala
Websitewww.kerala.gov.in

P. K. Kunhalikutty (born 1 June 1951 as Pandikkadavath Kunhalikutty) is an Indian politician and social worker who is the present Member of Legislative Assembly from Vengara Assembly Constituency in Kerala. He also serves as National General Secretary of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Deputy Leader of opposition in Kerala Leglative Assembly.[1][2]

Kunhalikutty was born at Oorakam in Malabar district, Madras State in 1951. He entered public life through students and college union politics and served as Chairman of Malappuram Municipality at the age of 29 in 1980.[1][2] He was elected to the Kerala state Legislative Assembly for the first time from the Malappuram Constituency in 1982.[1][2] He went on to become Member of Legislative Assembly of Kerala eight times between 1982 and 2021. He also served as Minister for Industries in several Kerala Legislative Assemblies (under Congress leaders K. Karunakaran, A. K. Antony and Oommen Chandy).[1][2] Kunhalikutty served as Kerala State General Secretary of Indian Union Muslim League from 2003 - 2006 and from 2007 - 2011.[3]

Kunhalikutty is popularly known as "Kunjappa" among his supporters.[4] He is known for his deep 'bonding' to United Democratic Front, the decades-old Congress-led pre-poll alliance in Kerala.[4] As per Malayala Manorama daily, "the persuasive charm" of Kunhalikutty is widely respected by his political peers and rivals.[4] He is also known for his 'vast experience in crafting strategic moves', and having 'weathered many a storm in his political career'.[5] The Outlook magazine once described Kunhalikutty as "Indian Union Muslim League's backbone in Kerala politics."[6][7]

Background and career[edit | edit source]

P. K. Kunhalikutty was born on 1 June 1951 at Oorakam, Melmuri in present-day Malappuram District as the son of Pandikkadavath Mohamed Haji and K. P. Fathima Kutty.[3] He completed his secondary education from G. V. H. S. S. Vengara. He has an under-graduate degree in commerce from Sir Syed College, Taliparamba. He was also educated at Farook College, Kozhikode.[3] He is also a Post-Graduate Diploma holder in Business Management.[1][2]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Kunhalikutty is married to K. M. Ummul Kulza[3] and the couple have two children.[1][2] He spends his spare time in vegetable cultivation at a plot near his residence and in ornamental fish farming.[8]

The chairman of Koyenco Group, P. P. Koya, is brother-in-law of P. K. Kunhalikutty.[9]

Political career[edit | edit source]

Kunhalikutty is also the National General Secretary of Indian Union Muslim League, (IUML).[1][2] He earlier served as Kerala State General Secretary, Indian Union Muslim League from 2003 - 2006 and 2007 - 2011.[3] He was National Treasurer, Indian Union Muslim League.[2]

He is also serving presently as Director, Chandrika daily and Director, Muhammed Koya International Foundation.[1][2] From May 2016 to April 2017, he served as Deputy Leader of Opposition, Kerala Legislative Assembly.[3]

1980 Malappuram Municipality chairman[edit | edit source]

Kunhalikutty entered politics through Muslim Students Federation (the MSF), the student wing of Indian Union Muslim League. He later became State Treasurer, Muslim Students Federation. He also served as Secretary, Farook College Students Union. He completed graduation at Sir syed college, Taliparamb.[3]

He subsequently served as chairman, Malappuram Municipality, at the age of 29, in 1980.[1][2] The Indian Express later wrote, "he became the blue-eyed boy of the [respected] Panakkad Thangal family after displaying political acumen and charisma upon being elected Malappuram Municipality chairman in 1980".[5] Rise of Kunhalikutty in Indian Union Muslim League after the 1980 victory was later described by the media as "meteoric".[4]

Tenures in Kerala Legislative Assembly[edit | edit source]

Kunhalikutty has been elected to Kerala Legislative Assembly eight times, in 1982 and 1987, contesting from Malappuram Assembly Constituency, and in 1991, 1996 and 2001, from Kuttippuram Constituency and in 2011, 2016 and 2021 from Vengara Constituency.[3] In the 2006 Left Democratic Front wave in Kerala, Kunhalikutty was defeated by K.T. Jaleel in Kuttippuram Constituency.[4]

Career as Minister for Industries[edit | edit source]

Kunhalikutty served as Minister for Industries and Social Welfare from 1991 to 1995 in the K. Karunakaran Ministry (1991–95).[5] As per observers, the selection was an indication of senior leader K. Karunakaran's regard for the "young League politician".[4]

Kunhalikutty went on to serve as Minister for Industries and Municipalities from 1995 to 1996, and Minister for Industries, IT and Social Welfare from 2001 to 2004, in two A. K. Antony Ministries and Minister for Industries, IT and Social Welfare, from 2004 to 2005 in the Oommen Chandy Ministry.[1][2] In 2011 he was the wealthiest member in the cabinet of Oommen Chandy[10] and served as Minister for the remarkable IT Project Akshaya project in 2002.[11]

U D F term Chief Minister Period Portfolios
1991–1996 K. Karunakaran 1991–95 Industries and Social Welfare
A. K. Antony 1995–96 Industries and Municipalities
2001–2006 A. K. Antony 2001–04 Industries, Information Technology and Social Welfare
Oommen Chandy 2004–05 Industries, Information Technology and Social Welfare
2011–2016 Oommen Chandy 2011–16 Industries, Information Technology, Haj and Wakf and Mining and Geology
P. K. Kunhalikutty with Oommen Chandy (2012)

Member of Parliament[edit | edit source]

Kunhalikutty got elected as Member of Parliament from Malappuram Parliamentary Constituency in 2017 in a by-election.[12] The election was a result of the death of former Minister of State for External Affairs and senior IUML leader E. Ahamed. Kunhalikutty won from all the seven Assembly constituencies of the Parliament Constituency.[13] He was re-elected to Malappuram during the 2019 general elections.[14]

He was a member of Standing Committee on Railways, Government of India.[3] From May 2017 to January 2018, he was a member in Committee on Government Assurances, Government of India.[3]

Return to Legislative Assembly[edit | edit source]

In February 2021, Kunhalikutty resigned from the Lok Sabha to contest the 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election.[14] He is currently a Member of Legislative Assembly from Vengara Assembly Constituency.

P. K. Kunhalikutty (third from right) with the then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (2013) in Kochi

Controversies[edit | edit source]

P. K. Kunhalikutty experienced electoral defeat only in 2006 Kerala state assembly elections due to his involvement in the 1997 Ice cream parlour sex scandal.[15] A closure report in the case was filed in the trial court later by the Special Investigation Team. There were severe allegations levelled in relation to this case including death of two girls in Kozhikode.[16] The Supreme Court of India had in 2016 dismissed a petition from the opposition communists seeking a federal probe into the case.[17]

There were allegations in relation to 2020 Kerala gold smuggling case that one of the key accused, K.T. Ramees is a relative of P.K. Kunhalikutty.[18][19]

In 2018, he skipped a Lok Sabha session for attending a marriage in Dubai when parliamentary proceedings over Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2018 were taking place. He was heavily criticised for his behaviour as the bill was about the criminalisation of triple talaq in India.[20][21]

In 2011, there was plea before Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau Court, Thrissur made by Andul Aziz from National Secular Conference to undertake a probe into wealth amassed by P.K. Kunhalikutty and his relatives.[22] The plea had mention about investments made into Seashore Rolling Engineering Company owned by son of P.K. Kunhalikutty.[23] The plea was dismissed by the VACB court due to inadequate evidences to support the claim.[24]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 Minister for Industries and Information Technology. Kerala.gov.in. Retrieved on 23 July 2015.
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 Members – Kerala Legislature Archived 16 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Niyamasabha.org. Retrieved on 23 July 2015.
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 "Members : Lok Sabha". 164.100.47.194. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Udayabhanu, Prem (17 April 2017). "A sneak peek at the life and times of 'Kunjappa'". Malayala Manorama. Archived from the original on 12 April 2019.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "IUML's warhorse saddles up for national sojourn". The New Indian Express. 17 April 2017. Archived from the original on 12 April 2019.
  6. ↑ "E. Ahamed's Daughter Fouzia Emerges As A Political Face In Kerala's Misogynistic Muslim League". Outlook (India). 27 January 2018. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  7. ↑ "Explained: The importance of Kunhalikutty in Kerala Assembly elections". The Indian Express. 5 February 2021. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  8. ↑ "Kunhalikutty Engane Kunjappayayi? Chila Malappuram Kauthuka Kazhchakal". Malayala Manorama. 10 April 2017. Archived from the original on 12 April 2019.
  9. ↑ Damodaran, Harish (25 November 2018). INDIA'S NEW CAPITALISTS: Caste, Business, and Industry in a Modern Nation. Hachette India. ISBN 978-93-5195-280-0.
  10. ↑ Devasia, T. K. "Kunhalikutty is the richest in Kerala cabinet". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  11. ↑ "Kerala embarks on mass computer literacy drive". The Times of India. 1 June 2003. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
  12. ↑ Malappuram Election Result
  13. ↑ "Muslim League wins big to retain Malappuram Lok Sabha seat". The Hindu Business Line. Press Trust of India. 17 April 2017. Archived from the original on 12 April 2019.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "IUML leader PK Kunhalikutty resigns as MP to contest Kerala Assembly polls". The News Minute. 4 February 2021. Retrieved 8 March 2021.
  15. ↑ Radhakrishnan, M. G. (15 November 2004). "8-year-old sex scandal haunts Kerala minister P.K. Kunhalikutty, rocks govt". India Today. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  16. ↑ "Plea filed for fresh probe into girls' death". The New Indian Express. 16 May 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  17. ↑ "Mathrubhumi". 5 April 2017. Archived from the original on 24 May 2020.
  18. ↑ M.K, Nidheesh (12 July 2020). "Malappuram-based businessman in customs custody over Kerala gold smuggling case". mint. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  19. ↑ "NIA Arrests PK Kunhalikutty's Kin Rameez in Gold Smuggling Case; Chakkiri Ahmed Also A Relative". Deshabhimani. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  20. ↑ "Kunhalikutty slammed for skipping talaq voting". The Times of India. 29 December 2018. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  21. ↑ "Kunhalikutty draws flak for missing triple talaq voting". The Hindu. 28 December 2018. Archived from the original on 3 October 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  22. ↑ "Inquiry into complaints on Kunhalikutty begins". The New Indian Express. 16 May 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  23. ↑ "Court rejects plea for investigation into Kerala industries minister". Retrieved 26 February 2021 – via PressReader.
  24. ↑ "Plea against Kunhalikutty rejected". The New Indian Express. 16 May 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
Lok Sabha
Preceded by
E. Ahamed 		Member of Parliament
for Malappuram
17 April 2017 – 2021 		Succeeded by
M. P. Abdussamad Samadani
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