Smt. M.T. Padma, lawyer and senior leader, was born as the daughter of Shri. M. Govindan and Smt. C.T. Kausalya on 9th January 1943 at Kannur.

She entered politics even while a student by actively participating in students movements and later serving as Vice-President, KSU Kozhikode Unit, and Vice-President, KSU State Unit. Smt. Padma became elected to the KLA from Quilandy Constituency in 1987 and 1991. She was Minister for Fisheries and Rural Development from 2.7.1991 to 16.3.1995, in the Ministry headed by Shri. K. Karunakaran, and Minister for Fisheries and Registration from 3.5.1995 to 9.5.1996, in the Ministry headed by Shri. A.K. Antony.

Smt. Padma has held several party positions as well, including serving as Secretary, DCC Kozhikode, and Treasurer, DCC Kozhikode. She was also Member, Family Welfare Committee, Social Welfare Board and Orphanage Committee. An active Member of KPCC, she was also General Secretary of the State Mahila Congress.

Smt. Padma is now a prominent Leader of Democratic Indira Congress.

Shri. M. Radhakrishnan is her husband and they have one son and one daughter.