E. K. Nayanar

Erambala Krishnan Nayanar (9 December 1919 – 19 May 2004) was an Indian politician of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M). He served three terms (eleven years) as the Chief Minister of Kerala (1980-1981, 1987-1991 and 1996-2001), making him the longest-serving holder of that office. At the time of death, he was a senior leader within the CPI(M), being a member of its central Politburo (1992-2004), and twice heading its Kerala state unit (1972-1980, 1992-1996).