Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) leader K. Krishnankutty was sworn in as the new Minister for Water Resources in the Kerala government on Tuesday.
Governor P. Sathasivam administered the oath of office and secrecy.
The present President of JD-S, Krishnankutty, 74, replaced Mathew T. Thomas who resigned on Tuesday in accordance with a decision by the national leadership of the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S).
While the Congress-led opposition boycotted the swearing in protesting against the Kerala government's tough stand on the Sabarimala issue, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his cabinet colleagues and legislators from the ruling front were present on the occasion.
Thomas was present at the event and so was the lone BJP legislator, O. Rajagopal.
Krishnankutty started his political career in the Congress and later joined the Janata Party. He is a four-time legislator and has become a Minister for the first time.
The JD-S is the third largest ally of the CPI-M-led government and has three legislators.
--IANS
sg/mr
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