| He hails from a financially disadvantaged family in Pinarayi, Kannur district. |
| After completing his schooling, he worked as a handloom weaver for a year to support his family financially. |
| At 24, he became the Kannur district secretary of the Kerala Students Federation (KSF), which later transformed into the Students Federation of India (SFI) and eventually served as the President of the State committee. |
| He was also appointed as the president of the Kerala State Co-operative Bank. |
| During the 1975 National emergency, he was detained and reportedly tortured by the police due to his involvement in political activities during the Communist rule in Kerala. |
| Significant advancements were made in power generation capacity during his tenure as Electricity Minister through the implementation of new projects. |
| In 2002, he became a member of the Politburo of the CPI(M). |
| He was temporarily suspended in 2007 by the CPI(M) alongside V. S. Achuthanandan for exchanging inappropriate comments in the media but was later reinstated. |
| As Chief Minister, he launched various initiatives including Ardram Mission, Haritha Keralam Mission, Project LIFE, and Comprehensive Education Reforms. |
| He introduced India’s first all-woman police squad named the Pink Patrol to enhance the safety of children and women in public spaces. |
