Erambala Krishnan Nayanar was a prominent Indian political leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). He held the post of Chief Minister of Kerala three times 1980-81, 1987-91 and 1996-2001. He holds the distinction of serving the post for the longest period of time - 11 years. He was a member of the Polit Bureau of CPI(M).

He was born into wealth and privilege in British-ruled Malabar (north Kerala) (exactly in Kalyassery in Kannur district), at a time when the Congress was considered by the authorities as a recruiting ground for subversives, and communist ideas were sprouting in the country. His father Govindan Nambiar, however, believed in the feudal way of life and would often fly into a rage when the young Nayanar began to frequently don the Gandhi cap as a student volunteer enticed into the national movement by his close relatives, most prominently, uncle and the late communist leader K.P.R. Gopalan.

In his youth, he took an active part in the revolutionary communist movements in Kerala for the fundamental changes in the social, political and economic aspects of life. His personal integrity was of highest order. No one ever questioned his sincerity or considered him incapable of action.

On a late Friday night, 21st of May 2004,all of Kerala, regardless of political inclination and all other mutual differences, crowded the streets to pay their last respects to the memory of their bold leader, Com. E.K.Nayanar. We have known him so long, looked up to him for so many years, trusted his leadership and enjoyed his jokes that we still bow in tribute to his good soul.