A. K. Antony, Politician
Politician

A. K. Antony

Born 28 December 1940 · Kerala

Longest serving Defence Minister of India from 2006 to 2014, overseeing major military modernization.

Arackaparambil Kurien Antony is an Indian lawyer, attorney and statesman who was the longest serving Defence Minister of India from 2006 to 2014. One of the senior leaders of the Indian National Congress, he currently serves as the Chairman of the Disciplinary Action Committee of the All India Congress Committee, Congress Working Committee, and member of the Congress Core Group and Central Election Committee.

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A detail that
surprised us

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A.K. Antony became Kerala's youngest Chief Minister at age 36, winning a by-election in Kazhakootam by over 8,000 votes shortly after taking office in 1977.

The Story

1
At just 36 years old, A.K. Antony became Kerala's youngest Chief Minister in 1977, seizing power amid the political fallout of the Emergency and Rajan case controversy.
2
🌾 From self-financing his law education through odd jobs in Cherthala after his father's death in 1959, Antony’s grit shaped his grounded approach to politics.
3🕊️ In 1980, Antony split from the Indian National Congress to form Congress (A), aligning temporarily with Kerala’s Left Democratic Front, before rejoining Congress in 1982, marking a rare political reconciliation.
4🛡️ Serving as India's Defence Minister for a record seven continuous years (2006-2014), Antony steered the ministry through critical modernization efforts while maintaining a strict anti-corruption stance.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1977, Antony won a by-election in Kazhakootam by a margin of over 8,000 votes after becoming Kerala’s youngest Chief Minister, showcasing strong grassroots support despite political turmoil.

🖼️

Through the Years

7 photographs from the archives
A. K. Antony with Kerala Council of Ministers during his 1977 ministry (1977).
A. K. Antony with Kerala Council of Ministers during his 1977 ministry (1977).
1977
A. K. Antony with Kerala Council of Ministers during his 1995 ministry (1995).
A. K. Antony at the inauguration of PR Francis memorial Congress party office at Ollur (1999).
A. K. Antony inaugurates Naval Commanders Conference at New Delhi (2012).
A. K. Antony presenting the Young Scientist Award during BrahMos JV signing in New Delhi (2013).

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Cherthala, Travancore
A.K. Antony was born to Arackaparambil Kurien Pillai and Aleykutty Kurian in Cherthala near Alleppey, laying roots in Kerala's political heartland.
1940
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Career
Youngest Kerala Students Union president
Antony became the youngest president of KSU, marking the start of his political activism under the mentorship of M. A. John.
1966
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Career
First term as Kerala Chief Minister
At 36, Antony took office as Kerala's youngest CM during a turbulent political phase following the Emergency and Rajan case.
1977
⚡
Career
Founded Congress (A)
Antony split from the Indian National Congress to form Congress (A), aligning with the Left Democratic Front government in Kerala.
1980
⚡
Career
Rejoined Indian National Congress
After Congress (A)'s brief existence, Antony returned to the Congress fold, resuming a key role in national politics.
1982
⚡
Career
Appointed Defence Minister of India
Antony took charge of India's Defence Ministry, following Natwar Singh's expulsion, beginning a historic seven-year tenure.
2006
⚡
Career
Retained Defence Ministry post
After the 2009 general elections, Antony continued as Defence Minister under PM Manmohan Singh, becoming the longest-serving in a continuous term.
2009
🏅
Award
Ranked among most powerful Indians
The Indian Express listed Antony among the top 10 Most Powerful Indians for his role as Defence Minister and cabinet leader.
2012
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 06
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Antony founded a splinter party, Congress (A), in 1980 which briefly joined the Left Democratic Front government led by E.K. Nayanar before merging back with the Indian National Congress in 1982.

02 / 06
👤PERSONAL

During his youth, Antony worked odd jobs to self-finance his education after his father’s death in 1959, reflecting his early independence and resilience.

03 / 06
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Antony served five terms as a Rajya Sabha member and held key portfolios including Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs in the 1990s before becoming Defence Minister.

No quote recorded for A. K. Antony yet.

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
LIVE | Congress leader AK Antony's son joins BJP | Anil Antony | BBC documentary row | BJP
·YouTube
More from this archive
LIVE | Congress leader AK Antony's son joins BJP | Anil Antony | BBC documentary row | BJP
01
LIVE | Congress leader AK Antony's son joins BJP | Anil Antony | BBC documentary row | BJP
YouTube
“I’m getting threat calls…” AK Anthony’s son Anil Antony quits Congress over BBC documentary
02
“I’m getting threat calls…” AK Anthony’s son Anil Antony quits Congress over BBC documentary
YouTube
'Chamchon Ka Darbar' I Anil Antony, Son Of Congress Veteran AK Antony Quits I BBC I Barkha Dutt
03
'Chamchon Ka Darbar' I Anil Antony, Son Of Congress Veteran AK Antony Quits I BBC I Barkha Dutt
YouTube
AK Antony's Son Anil Antony Quits Congress After Supporting Ban On BBC Documentary On PM | News18
04
AK Antony's Son Anil Antony Quits Congress After Supporting Ban On BBC Documentary On PM | News18
YouTube
"Didn't Discuss With My Father, My Own Decision": AK Antony's Son On Quitting Congress
05
"Didn't Discuss With My Father, My Own Decision": AK Antony's Son On Quitting Congress
YouTube
Congress Leader AK Antony's Son Quits AICC Over BBC Documentary Row
06
Congress Leader AK Antony's Son Quits AICC Over BBC Documentary Row
YouTube
BBC Documentary Fall-out I Congress Leader Anil Antony, son of AK Antony quits for tweet
07
BBC Documentary Fall-out I Congress Leader Anil Antony, son of AK Antony quits for tweet
YouTube
AK Antony's Son Anil Quits Congress Day After Opposing BCC Documentary On PM Modi
08
AK Antony's Son Anil Quits Congress Day After Opposing BCC Documentary On PM Modi
YouTube
AK Antony's Son Anil Antony Joins BJP After Exiting Congress Over BBC Documentary
09
AK Antony's Son Anil Antony Joins BJP After Exiting Congress Over BBC Documentary
YouTube
Exclusive Interview with A. K. Antony | Straight Line | EP 399 | Part 02 | Kaumudy TV
10
Exclusive Interview with A. K. Antony | Straight Line | EP 399 | Part 02 | Kaumudy TV
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Antony’s tenure as Defence Minister from 2006 to 2014 introduced significant reforms aimed at transparency and modernization of India's armed forces procurement processes. His firm stance against corruption set new standards in the ministry, influencing subsequent defence policies and bolstering civilian oversight. In Kerala, his multiple terms as Chief Minister left a legacy of focus on higher education, biotechnology, and IT development.

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