KC Venugopal is an Indian politician associated with the Indian National Congress party. He was a Member of Parliament from Rajasthan in the Rajya Sabha. He previously served as an MLA in the Kerala Legislative Assembly and a Member of Parliament in the Lower House (Lok Sabha). He held several ministerial portfolios in the Kerala state government and the UPA government in India.
Contents
Wiki/Biography
KC Venugopal was born on Monday 4 February 1963 (age 60 years; as of 2023) in Kandonthar, Payanur, Kannur District, Kerala, India. His zodiac sign is Aquarius. He received his Bachelor of Science degree (1984) from Payanur College located in Kannur district and then his Master’s degree (1986) in Mathematics from Calicut University located in Calicut, Kerala. Later he completed his LLB course as well. In addition, during her college days, Venugopal actively participated in volleyball. She represented both Payanur College and Calicut University in volleyball matches. His political journey began through the student movement of the Indian National Congress. He held various positions in the Kerala Students’ Union (KSU), starting as unit president and then serving as Thaliparamba Taluk Treasurer, Kannur District Secretary, State Vice President and State Treasurer. In 1988, he was elected as the state president of KSU and worked in this position for 5 years. During his tenure at Payyannur College, he was the University Union Advisor for four consecutive years. In addition, he served as a member of the Kerala University Senate. From 1993 to 2000, Venugopal served as the state president of the Youth Congress.
KC Venugopal (centre) in his early political days
Physical appearance
Height (approx): 5′ 10″
Weight (approx): 75 kg
Hair color: black
Eye Color: Black
family
He was born in a Hindu Nair family.
parents and siblings
Father’s name was Kunji Krishnan Nambi and mother’s name was Janaki Amma. He has a sister.
KC Venugopal’s father, Kunji Krishnan Nambi and mother, Janaki Amma
KC Venugopal with his mother Janaki Amma
wife and children
His wife’s name is Asha Venugopal who is Assistant Professor and Head of English Department at VTM NSS College Dhanuvachhapuram, Thiruvananthapuram. He has a daughter named Parvathy Venugopal and a son named Gokul Venugopal who is a content creator.
KC Venugopal’s wife, Asha Venugopal
KC Venugopal’s son Gokul Venugopal and daughter Parvati Venugopal
Address
Rajeevam, Pazhaveedu PO, Alappuzha, District Kerala, Pin Code- 695004
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Career
Early years in politics
He rose to prominence in 1991 when his mentor and then Kerala Chief Minister, Karunakaran, secured a Lok Sabha ticket for him from Kasaragod. At the age of 28, as president of the party’s student wing, the election was narrowly defeated. In 1995, Venugopal disagreed with Karunakaran publicly over the suspension of Arjun Singh from their political party. Venugopal openly supported Singh despite Karunakaran and others in their party having second thoughts. This led to a rift between Venugopal and Karunakaran.
KC Venugopal with his mentor K. Karunakaran
By the time AK Antony replaced Karunakaran as Chief Minister in March 1995, Venugopal had already distanced himself and joined a group of young leaders known as the ‘Third Group’. This group led by Ramesh Chennitala, G. Karthikeyan and M.I. Shanavas, considered themselves reformists or correctors (called ‘Tiruthalvaad’ in Malayalam). They aimed to challenge the influence and control of Karunakaran and Antony in the party.
KC Venugopal with K. Karunakaran and AK Antony
The journey to becoming a key member of Congress
He became a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the first time in 1996 and successfully won the seat in 2001 and 2006. In 2004, he became a minister in the government headed by Omen Chand.
KC Venugopal with Rajiv Gandhi
By 2009, he had become a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Lok Sabha. Within two years, he was appointed Union Minister of State, a position that was seen as an attempt to appease his Nair community.
KC Venugopal speaks during his tenure as an MP in the Lok Sabha
During the second term of the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government between 2009 and 2014, Venugopal served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Power. In 2014, despite the poor performance of the Congress party across the country, Venugopal was among the few MLAs from Kerala who won their seats and was appointed as the party whip.
KC Venugopal speaking at a political rally
On 29 April 2017, he was appointed as the General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC). According to his close associates, he successfully convinced Rahul Gandhi to contest from Wayanad in Kerala in the 2019 elections. Despite losing the Amethi stronghold, Rahul won from Kerala, indicating that Venugopal has accurately assessed the political climate in Uttar Pradesh.
KC Venugopal with Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra
He was also in charge of the Congressional War Rooms during several elections. On 19 June 2020, he was elected as a Member of Parliament from Rajasthan. Under his leadership, the Congress won a huge majority in the 2023 Karnataka state elections by winning 135 out of 224 seats.
KC Venugopal with Karnataka Congress DK Shivakumar and his brother, DK Suresh
Confrontation
Allegations of sexual exploitation
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) questioned him in 2022 over alleged sexual exploitation in the 2012 solar scam case in Kerala. In 2013, the prime accused, who duped people with promises of solar solutions and promotions in solar power projects, wrote a letter to the top police officer in Kerala, accusing Hiby Eden (then MLA and now MP), KC Venugopal, former chief minister Oommen Chandy, former minister Anil Kumar, Congress MP Adoor MP Adoor MP Adoor MP Adoor MP Adoor MP Adoor MP Adoor MP Adoor MP Adoor MP Adoor MP Adoor MP Adoor MP Adoor MP Adoor MP Adoor MP Adoor MP Adoor MP Adoor Mp Adoor MP Adoor MP Adoor MP Adoor MP Adoor Mp Adoor Mp Adoor Mp Adoor The case was reported to the local police, but later in August 2021, the CBI took over the investigation on the recommendation of the state government. After the accused expressed displeasure with the local police investigation against the Chief Minister, the case was handed over to the CBI.
Car collection
He owns Toyota Innova and Toyota Etios.
income
Its revenue for the financial year 2018-19 was 9 million.
assets and properties
movable assets
- Bank deposits: Rs. 3,94,541
- Motor Vehicles: Rs. 18,08,140
real estate
- Non-agricultural land: Rs. 32,00,000
- Residential buildings: Rs. 3,00,000
Note: The given valuations of movable and immovable property are given as of 2019. It excludes assets owned by his spouse and dependents (minors).
Net worth
Venugopal’s net worth for the financial year 2018-19 was estimated at Rs. 2.7 million. It excludes the net worth of his spouse and dependents (minors).
the chosen ones
Facts/Trivia
- In his free time he likes to read, write and listen to music.
- In an interview, he described Rahul Gandhi as the most handsome MP (Member of Parliament), Hema Malini as the most beautiful actress, Arun Jaitley as a good orator and Venkaiah Naidu as someone who got angry over petty issues.
- His father wanted him to become an engineer or a civil servant because he studied very well; However, his mother supported him to become a politician.
- He enjoys singing and watching movies with his wife when he takes time out from his political campaigning.
Categories: Politics
Source: dienchau2.edu.vn
