K N Balagopal

K N Balagopal is a senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and a prominent public figure from Kerala. Born on 28 July 1963 in Kalanjoor, Pathanamthitta district, he holds M.Com., LL.B., and LL.M. degrees and has been actively engaged in public service, social work, and politics for several decades.

He began his political journey through the Students Federation of India (SFI) and later held key leadership positions in SFI and DYFI at the state and national levels. Balagopal served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from 2010 to 2016 and was Political Secretary to former Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan.

Elected from the Kottarakkara constituency, he is the current Member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly. He served as Kerala's Finance Minister in the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly (2021–2026), where he played a key role in shaping the state's fiscal and development policies. He is also a member of the CPI(M) Central Committee.