A K Antony’s steadfast practice of maintaining a clean image is well known. This has often gained him the alias Mr. Clean in political circle of Kerala. Perhaps this clean image has helped him to get many coveted positions of any aspiring politician just a piece of cake.  His latest post of the Defense Minister of India is no exception. Antony continues to enjoy considerable goodwill in Kerala and outside

Arackaparambil Kurian Antony, Born on 28th December 1940 as the son of Arackaparambil Kurian Pillai and Elikutty at Cherthala in Alappuzha District, Kerala. He completed his primary education in Government High school, Cherthala and took his B.A. degree from Maharajas College, Ernakulam and BL from Government Law College, Eranakulam. He is married to Elizabeth and has 2 children, Anil Antony and Ajith Antony.

Antony started his public life during school days leading Kerala Students Union (KSU). He served as the president of KSU, Youth Congress and KPCC. Since 1977, he has been the Chief Minister of Kerala three times. His first innings started in April 27, 1977 that lasted till October 27 1978. Second time he became Chief Minister in March 1995 that ended in May 1996. Third time he became Chief Minister in 2001-2004. All the three times he quit the post for one or another reason. His supporters always cite the fact that he resigned from the CM’s post three times, and also quit the Union government, as examples of his indifference to power.

He along with Vayalar Ravi, organised the Oru anna samaram (Single Penny Strike) in Cherthala taluk, which later merged with the “Vimochana Samaram” unleashed by casteist and sectarian outfits against EMS led State government. It spread like wild fire all over the state. Later he led several successful struggles against the authority. The 'pattini jatha' and 'veluthullikayal prakshobhanam', he led from Kasargod to Trivandrum gained public interest.

Unlike all his earlier posts, Defense Ministry has huge challenges with National and International dimensions attached to it.  His supporters are curious to watch how he handles the post.