In Kerala’s political history, Purushothaman is one of the three individuals who became a minister while serving as Speaker of the Kerala Assembly. Purushothaman was serving as the Speaker when Antony was the chief minister in 2004. When Antony resigned and Oommen Chandy took over, he was bumped into the cabinet. Purushothaman assumed office as the Minister for Finance.

Purushottaman was elected to the Assembly five times during his career and served on a ministerial portfolio three times. He also has the record for having held the position of Speaker for the longest period during his two terms in office.

Interestingly, Purushothaman is one of the only two people to serve the Speaker post twice. He has held the position of Thiruvananthapuram DCC Secretary, KPCC General Secretary, and Vice President.

He was elected from the Attingal constituency in 1970, 1977, 1980, 1982, and 2001. He has held the portfolio of Agriculture and Labour Ministry (1971-1977), Minister for Health and Tourism (1980-81), and Minister of Finance and Excise (2004-06). He had a stint as Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1982-84 and 2001-2004.

He was also a Lok Sabha MP during 1984-1991, where he chaired the Committee on Public Undertakings and Committee on Subordinate Legislation of Parliament. For five years, Purushothaman was the Chairman of the Consultative Committee of Experts to the Inter-Parliamentary Union. He has served as Lieutenant governor of Andaman and Nicobar (1993-96),

Vakkom Purushothaman’s wife is Lilly Purushothaman. Their children are Binu, Dr. Bindu and late Biju.