P.K. Kunhalikutty

Minister for Industries, IT & Commerce

IUML 🗳️ MLA from Vengara

P.K. Kunhalikutty is a veteran political leader and the National General Secretary of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). A master strategist and a highly influential figure in Kerala politics, he has held the Industries portfolio in multiple UDF cabinets, steering the state's transition toward an IT-friendly and entrepreneurial economy. Elected from Vengara, he spearheads the crucial Industries, IT, and AI portfolios in the 2026 cabinet.

Born / Place June 1, 1951 (Age 75) in Malappuram, Kerala

Parents Pandikadavath Mohammed Haji and K.P. Fathima Kutty

Education B.Com. (Farook College, Kozhikode), Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management

Spouse K. M. Ummul Kulza

Children P. K. Hashique (son) and Lasitha P. K. (daughter)

Key Portfolios Assigned Industries, Commerce, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Startups, Mining & Geology, Handlooms & Textiles

Life Journey & Timeline

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

1951 - 1970

Childhood & Educational Foundations

Born in Malappuram on June 1, 1951, into a respected merchant family. He attended local schools in Malappuram and then went on to graduate in Commerce from Farook College, Kozhikode, which was the hub of intellectual and cultural life in Malabar. He further completed a PG Diploma in Business Management.

1971 - 1981

Student Politics & Municipal Leadership

Initiated his political career through the Muslim Students Federation (MSF). His exceptional leadership skills quickly stood out, leading to his election as the Chairman of the Malappuram Municipality in 1980 at the young age of 29, demonstrating early administrative promise.

1982 - 1990

Entry to Legislative Assembly

Elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for the first time in 1982 from the Kondotty constituency. He represented Kondotty again in 1987 and later shifted his constituency to Koduvally, earning a reputation as a highly persuasive orator and consensus builder.

1991 - 2006

Architect of Kerala's Industrial Transition

Appointed as the Minister for Industries and Social Welfare in the K. Karunakaran cabinet in 1991. He served as the Industries Minister in subsequent cabinets under A.K. Antony and Oommen Chandy. He was the chief architect of Kerala's first IT Policy, which led to the creation of the Infopark in Kochi and the expansion of Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram.

2011 - 2025

Statewide Leader & MP

Elected as MLA from Vengara and served as Industries and IT Minister from 2011 to 2016. In 2017, he was elected to the Lok Sabha in a by-election from Malappuram and re-elected in 2019, representing Kerala's regional interests in Parliament before returning to state politics.

2026 - Present

Leading the AI and IT Frontiers

Appointed to the Satheesan Cabinet in 2026 to manage Industries, IT, Commerce, and Artificial Intelligence. His immediate vision is to position Kerala as a premier hub for sustainable industries, deep-tech startups, and state-of-the-art AI development.