Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan elected Kerala Assembly Speaker in historic three-way vote
Synopsis
For the first time in Kerala Assembly history, the Speaker's election became a genuine three-way contest — and the margin tells the story. Radhakrishnan's 101-vote haul reflects the UDF's commanding majority, but the BJP's three-vote bloc and the LDF's 35 signal a House that is no longer a simple two-party affair. The joint escort by CM Satheesan and Opposition leader Vijayan was theatre, yes — but also a reminder of how much Kerala's political culture prizes procedural civility even amid fierce rivalry.
Key Takeaways
Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan was elected Speaker of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly on 21 May in Thiruvananthapuram .
He secured 101 of 139 votes cast; A.C.
Moideen (LDF) got 35 and B.B.
Gopakumar (NDA) got 3 .
It was the first three-cornered Speaker's election in Kerala Assembly history, with all three political blocs fielding candidates.
Radhakrishnan, 76 , is a seven-term Congress MLA from Kottayam , unbeaten since 1991 , and has held around 17 ministerial portfolios .
Satheesan and Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan jointly escorted the new Speaker to his chair.
Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, a seven-term Indian National Congress legislator, was on Friday, 21 May elected Speaker of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly in a historically unprecedented three-cornered contest — the first time in the Assembly's history that all three major political formations fielded candidates for the Speaker's post. The election, held in Thiruvananthapuram, reflects the sharply redrawn political landscape of Kerala following the recent state elections.
The Contest and the Count
The ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) fielded the veteran Radhakrishnan, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) nominated former minister A.C. Moideen, and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fielded B.B. Gopakumar, one of the BJP's three-member legislative contingent. Pro-tem Speaker G. Sudhakaran served as returning officer and abstained from voting, with 139 legislators casting their ballots.
Sudhakaran announced the results: Radhakrishnan secured 101 votes, Moideen received 35 votes, and Gopakumar bagged 3 votes. The announcement drew loud desk-thumping from members across party lines, who then walked up to congratulate the 76-year-old veteran.
A Symbolic Escort to the Chair
In a moment that captured the Assembly's democratic spirit, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan jointly escorted the newly elected Speaker to his chair — a gesture underscoring the bipartisan respect Radhakrishnan commands across an otherwise deeply polarised House.
Satheesan delivered a warm speech, describing Radhakrishnan as 'a role model known for his polite and mature behaviour,' and recalled his own days as a student activist raising slogans for the now-veteran Congress leader. 'He has handled around 17 portfolios and is known for nurturing his constituency. His experience and vision will guide the House well,' Satheesan said.
What the Leaders Said
Vijayan echoed the sentiment, praising Radhakrishnan's extensive parliamentary and public life experience and expressing confidence that it would help him discharge his new responsibilities with distinction. The cross-party praise was notable given that the LDF and UDF have been bitter electoral rivals for decades in Kerala.
Radhakrishnan's Political Journey
Radhakrishnan represents the Kottayam Assembly constituency and has remained unbeaten since 1991, after losing his electoral debut in 1987. A former minister in the late Oommen Chandy cabinet, he is widely regarded as a master of consensus politics, known for defusing tense political situations with composure. He has reportedly held around 17 ministerial portfolios across his career — a record that speaks to his standing within the Congress and the broader UDF coalition.
What This Means for the 16th Assembly
The three-way Speaker's contest is itself a marker of the changed arithmetic in the Kerala Assembly, where the BJP's expanded legislative presence — however small — has introduced a third voice into proceedings that were long a two-party affair. As Speaker, Radhakrishnan will be expected to manage a House where the ruling UDF holds a working majority but faces a combative LDF opposition led by a former Chief Minister. His track record of political deftness will be tested early.
Point of View
But it is enough to force procedural acknowledgement — and the LDF's decision to contest rather than abstain signals that the opposition intends to use every lever available. Radhakrishnan's 101-vote mandate is comfortable, but the 16th Assembly's dynamics will be anything but routine. The joint escort by Satheesan and Vijayan was a graceful gesture, yet both leaders know the floor battles ahead will be far less collegial.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and why was he elected Kerala Assembly Speaker?
Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan is a seven-term Congress MLA from Kottayam, elected Speaker of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly on 21 May after winning a historic three-way contest with 101 of 139 votes. The ruling UDF fielded him given his decades of legislative experience and reputation for consensus-building.
Why was the Kerala Speaker election of 2025 historic?
It was the first time in Kerala Assembly history that all three major political formations — UDF, LDF, and the BJP-led NDA — fielded separate candidates for the Speaker's post. Previous Speaker elections were either uncontested or two-sided.
What were the vote tallies in the Kerala Speaker election?
Of 139 votes cast, Radhakrishnan (UDF) received 101, A.C. Moideen (LDF) received 35, and B.B. Gopakumar (NDA) received 3. Pro-tem Speaker G. Sudhakaran abstained as returning officer.
Who is Pinarayi Vijayan's role in the 16th Kerala Assembly?
Pinarayi Vijayan, former Chief Minister and senior LDF leader, serves as Leader of Opposition in the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly. He jointly escorted the newly elected Speaker Radhakrishnan to his chair alongside Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan.
What is Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan's political background?
Radhakrishnan, 76, has represented the Kottayam constituency since 1991 without electoral defeat, after losing his debut contest in 1987. He served as a minister in the Oommen Chandy cabinet and has reportedly held around 17 ministerial portfolios across his career.
