Arackaparambil Kurian Antony (Kerala INC Rajya Sabha) was elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha for the first time in April 1985 and was re-elected in April 1991 and 2005. Antony has also served as the Chief Minister of Kerala for four times - 1977-78, 1995-96, 1996-2001, 2001-05 and from October 26, 2006 he started serving as the Defence Minister of India. He has also been the Leader of Opposition, Kerala Legislative Assembly from 1996-2001. Antony entered into politics by organising students of Cherthala Taluk (Alleppy District). He came to the public's attention leading the student movements as an activist of Kerala Students Union (KSU). He has also served as the president of KSU, Youth Congress and KPCC before becoming the AICC General Secretary in 1984. When he became KPCC president he was the youngest person ever to be elevated to that post. He was elected several times to the Congress Working Committee. He still serves as a CWC[1] member. He is in charge of Karnataka state affairs of the Congress Party.