PA Muhammad Riyas

Social and Political Life of Muhammad Riyas

Political Journey and Milestones

P. A. Mohammed Riyas, commonly known as Muhammad Riyas, was born on February 9, 1976, in Kozhikode, Kerala, to P. M. Abdul Khader and K. M. Ayishabi. He comes from a family with notable public service background, with his relative P. K. Moidheenkutty Sahib being a former KPCC president and freedom fighter. Riyas commenced his political career during his school days at St. Joseph Boys High School, Kozhikode, with active involvement in the Students’ Federation of India (SFI). He climbed the ranks from unit secretary and president to University Union councilor at Calicut University. Later, he became a prominent leader in the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), serving as district president, state vice president, and eventually All India President. He joined the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] in 1993 and is part of its Kerala State Secretariat.

Current Political Role

Muhammad Riyas currently serves as the Minister for Public Works Department and Tourism in the Government of Kerala. He was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 2021 representing the Beypore constituency. Known for fostering transparency and reforms, he has overseen major infrastructure projects, enhanced tourism initiatives like the ‘bio-bubble’ during the COVID-19 pandemic, and improved public works governance through increased accountability measures.

Social Work and Community Engagement

Riyas has been deeply involved in social welfare activities, focusing on public health, education, and rural development. During the COVID-19 crisis, he played a key role in implementing safety protocols for tourism and ensuring government resthouses contributed to state revenue while maintaining standards. His efforts extend to empowering local communities and promoting sustainable development through coordinated government actions.

Youth and Women Empowerment

His leadership in youth organizations like DYFI reflects a longstanding commitment to empowering young people through education and political engagement. He has also supported initiatives aimed at uplifting women and marginalized groups, aligning with CPI(M)’s broader social justice agenda.

Election Performance and Campaign Style

Riyas won the 2021 Kerala Assembly election from Beypore with a margin of 28,747 votes, reflecting strong public support. His campaign integrated grassroots outreach and digital engagement, emphasizing development and inclusive governance.

Public Perception and Media Presence

As a relatively young and dynamic minister, Riyas has attracted media attention for his reformist agenda and effective communication on social media. Referred to by some as part of Kerala's "Communist royal dynasty" due to his familial ties, he has nonetheless been noted for a clean public image and focus on performance.

Associations and Leadership Roles

He is a member of CPI(M)’s Kerala State Committee and has held various key positions in SFI, DYFI, and trade unions, building a strong organizational profile.

Recognitions and Awards

Though specific awards are not widely documented, Riyas’ rise to ministerial rank and leadership in national youth organizations underscores his recognition within political and civil society circles.

Crisis Response and Ground Presence

During Kerala’s natural calamities and the pandemic, Riyas maintained a ground-level presence, focusing on relief, recovery, and public awareness campaigns to mitigate adverse impacts.

P. A. Mohammed Riyas’s evolution from student leader to Minister for Public Works and Tourism epitomizes his commitment to youth leadership, social work, and infrastructural development in Kerala’s vibrant political landscape.

Personal Life of Muhammad Riyas

P. A. Mohammed Riyas, popularly known as Muhammad Riyas, was born on February 9, 1976, in Kozhikode district, Kerala, to Shri P. M. Abdul Khader and Smt. K. M. Ayishabi. His father served as an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, inspiring Riyas with values of discipline, service, and dedication. Riyas also comes from a family with a strong political lineage; his uncle P. K. Moidheenkutty Sahib was a freedom fighter and a former president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee.

He completed his schooling at St. Joseph's Boys' Higher Secondary School in Kozhikode and pursued pre-degree and undergraduate studies in commerce at Farook College, Kozhikode. Further, he obtained a law degree from Government Law College, Kozhikode. These educational experiences built a strong foundation for his analytical abilities and leadership skills. His personal philosophy is deeply influenced by Indian reformers and principles of equality, justice, and inclusivity, reflecting a committed rights-based approach in both his personal and political life.

Riyas was first married to Dr. Sameeha Saithalavi in 2002, with whom he has two sons. The couple divorced in 2015 following personal disputes. In June 2020, he married T. Veena Vijayan, the daughter of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, further connecting him with Kerala’s leading political family. Despite his hectic political responsibilities, Riyas highly values family ties and attributes much of his personal growth and resilience to the support of his loved ones.

Known for his modest and grounded lifestyle, Muhammad Riyas prefers meaningful conversations and genuine personal connections over ostentatious public displays. He has a keen interest in cultural pursuits and believes in lifelong learning, driven by curiosity and a desire to explore new ideas and perspectives.

Riyas actively engages with constituents across Beypore and Kozhikode district, regularly traveling and listening to the concerns of people from diverse backgrounds. He maintains an open-door policy, welcoming dialogue and feedback from all sections of society. He attributes much of his political success to the dedication and teamwork of grassroots party workers and community volunteers.

Widely respected for his humility, accessibility, and unwavering dedication to public service, Muhammad Riyas is considered a true “people’s leader” in Beypore and throughout Kerala.