In 1982, he became All India President of National Students Union of India and later, in the same year got elected as MLA from Haripad Constituency. In 1985, he became the General Secretary Bjp state Vice President of Indian Youth Congress (I) and went on to become the youngest Minister (Rural Development) in the Ministry of K. Karunakaran in 1986 at the age of 28. In 1986, he became the President of Kerala Pradesh Youth Congress (I), Kerala and in 1987 he was re-elected as MLA from Haripad Constituency.