Former Kozhikode MLA Pradeepkumar named Private Secretary to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan

Senior CPI(M) leader and former Kozhikode North MLA A Pradeepkumar has been appointed as the new private secretary to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. His appointment follows the recent elevation of KK Ragesh, the Chief Minister's previous private secretary, to the post of party’s Kannur district.

Pradeepkumar, 60, is a veteran leader within the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and currently serves on its state committee. Known for his extensive experience in organisational work, he previously led both the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the party’s student and youth wings.

Reacting to the appointment, he said, “This is a responsibility entrusted to me by the party. After my time in electoral politics and party work, I’ve been given a new role, and I will give it my best.”

During his legislative tenure, Pradeepkumar gained recognition for promoting public infrastructure development, especially in the education sector. His efforts earned him an honourary fellowship from the Indian Institute of Architects — marking the first time the award was given to a politician.

A widely respected figure across political lines, Pradeepkumar is noted for his calm demeanor, grassroots connect, and leadership within Kerala's sporting community. He has served as president of the Kozhikode District Football Association and as a member of the Kerala State Sports Council.

Elected to the Kerala Assembly three times from the Kozhikode North constituency, he stepped down in 2021 as part of the party’s rotation policy.

In 2019, he contested the Lok Sabha elections from Kozhikode but lost to Congress MP MK Raghavan.