C.P. John

Minister for Planning & Economic Affairs

CMP 🗳️ MLA from Thiruvananthapuram

C.P. John is the leader of the Communist Marxist Party (CMP) and one of Kerala's most prominent planning experts. A former member of the Kerala State Planning Board, he is widely respected across party lines for his deep understanding of state finances, decentralized planning, and development economics. He represents the Thiruvananthapuram constituency and leads the key Planning, Minority Welfare, and Urban Development portfolios in the 2026 government.

Born / Place May 12, 1957 (Age 69) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Parents C.P. Philipose and Kunjamma Philipose

Education Graduate in Economics, Post Graduate studies in Social Sciences

Spouse Not Publicly Listed

Children Not Publicly Listed

Key Portfolios Assigned Planning & Economic Affairs, Minority Welfare, Urban Development

Life Journey & Timeline

Exploring the major milestones, student activism, legislative progression, and the remarkable rise of C.P. John from childhood to the present day.

1957 - 1973

Early Childhood in Trivandrum

Born in Thiruvananthapuram on May 12, 1957. Raised in the capital city, he was exposed to public debates, government institutions, and socialist intellectual movements from his childhood.

1973 - 1980

SFI State President & Student Struggles

Emerged as an exceptional student leader within the Left movement. He served as the State President of the Students Federation of India (SFI) and was a key organizer of educational rights campaigns across Kerala during the late 1970s.

1986 - 1996

Founding of CMP & Democratic Transition

Following ideological differences, he, along with legendary leader M.V. Raghavan, co-founded the Communist Marxist Party (CMP) in 1986. He played an instrumental role in aligning the CMP with the United Democratic Front (UDF), bringing fresh economic paradigms to the coalition.

2001 - 2016

Planning Board and Economic Architecture

Served as a highly influential member of the Kerala State Planning Board in multiple terms (2001-2006 and 2011-2016). He was the brain behind several innovative schemes, including the coastal development package and rural infrastructure bonds.

2016 - 2025

Coalition Strategist & Urban Architect

Acted as a senior strategist for the UDF. He published numerous papers on Kerala's economic future, structural unemployment, and the integration of cooperative banks, highlighting solutions for sustainable urban growth.

2026 - Present

Spearheading State Planning and Minority Welfare

Elected to the assembly from Thiruvananthapuram and appointed as Minister for Planning, Economic Affairs, and Urban Development in 2026. He is currently designing the "Nava Kerala" structural economic plan and implementing comprehensive urban renewal programs.