Chennithala inducted in Kerala Cabinet

Gets Home portfolio, will now be No 2 in the Cabinet after CM Oommen Chandy

Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Ramesh Chennithala was on Monday inducted in the state Cabinet. Ramesh, who got the home portfolio, will now be No 2 in the Cabinet after chief minister Oommen Chandy. The swearing-in will be on the New Year day.

There will also be a minor  re-shuffling in the portfolios of Congress ministers with the present home minister Thiruvanchoor Radhak-rishnan likely to get forest and vigilance departments.

The UDF’s image has taken a hit as there are a number allegations against their ministers, including the chief minister. The move, approved by the Congress high command, therefore could be seen as giving a ‘face lift’ to the state unit of the party and the United Democratic Front (UDF) government before the general election.  

It is also learned that Ramesh will hold additional charge of the PCC chief for the time being, until a ‘suitable’ candidate is found. However, this may not be easy as group rivalry is hectic in the Kerala unit of the party. Speaker G Karthikeyan’s name is doing the rounds as front runner for the post, but sources said the high command favours VM Sudheeran, who has a clean image not only in the party, but also among the general public. Sudheeran appointment would also ensure good co-ordination between the chief minister and the PCC chief.

A top party leaders said chances of Sudheeran getting the job was brighter as both Ramesh and Karthikeyan represent the Nair community and if Karthikeyan is made the PCC chief it would affect the communal balance in the party and the government. Sudheeran represents the Ezhava community.  

Sources told Business Standard that the decision to appoint the new PCC chief would be taken later.

By giving Ramesh the home portfolio, the UDF wants to win the confidence of the Nair Service Society (NSS) that has a big  say in state politics. NSS, which also has a strong clout in central Travancore, is against the government and its main criticism is that the Chandy ministry is governed by minority communities like the Muslims and Christians. If the NSS goes against the UDF, its chances of winning in at least 5 Lok Sabha seats will be bleak.

Defence minister AK Antony is now in Kerala to ensure the Kerala unit fights the election united.

Meanwhile, the Budget session of the Assembly will commence on Friday.