CREATING a new chapter in the history of Kerala – the first time in four decades, an incumbent government got re-elected in the state with a huge majority of 99 seats in the 140 member assembly – the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front government was sworn-in on May 20, at a simple ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram while observing all Covid protocols.  CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, Polit Bureau member Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, CPI(M) state secretary in-charge A Vijayaraghavan were among the dignitaries who attended the function.

The 21-member cabinet has 17 new members. There are three women in the cabinet. The average age of the cabinet is 54.

The state cabinet includes CPI(M) Central Committee members M V Govindan and K Radhakrishnan, state secretariat members K N Balagopal and P Rajeev, state committee members Saji Cherian, V N Vasavan, V Sivankutti, P A Muhammad Riyas, AIDWA leader R Bindu, journalist-turned politician Veena George and CPI(M)-backed independent candidate, V Abdu Rahman. Party state committee member M B Rajesh would be the candidate backed by the LDF for the speaker’s post. Former state health minister, K K Shailaja would be the Party whip and former labour minister T P Ramakrishnan would be the secretary of the legislative party.

All CPI(M) ministers from previous cabinet including K K Shailaja, T P Ramakrishnan, M M Mani, Kadampalli Surendran, C Raveendranath and A C Moideen are not included in the cabinet this time around in an attempt to give an opportunity for new candidates.

Four ministers from the CPI include J Chinju Rani, K Rajan, G R Anil and P Prasad. Chittayam Gopakumar from the CPI would be the LDF candidate for the deputy speaker’s post. Roshi Augustine from Kerala Congress M, Ahamed Devarkoil from the Indian National League, K Krishnankutti from Janata Dal, A K Saseendran from the NCP and Antony Raju from Kerala Congress Democratic are the other members of the cabinet.

MINISTERS AND PORTFOLIOS:
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan: Home, Vigilance, Information technology, General Administration and Minority Affairs and Non Resident Kerala Affairs
M V Govindan: Local Self Government, Excise
K Radhakrishnan: Devaswom, Parliamentary Affairs
P Rajeev: Industries, Law
K N Balagopal: Finance
Saji Cherian: Fisheries and Cultural Affairs
V Sivankutti: Labour, and General Education
P A Muhammed Riyaz: Public Works
R Bindu: Higher Education
Veena George: Health and Family Welfare
V Abdu Rahman: Sports and Youth Affairs
K Krishnankutty: Electricity
Roshi Augustine: Water Resources
Ahamed Devarkoil: Ports
Antony Raju: Transport
J Chinju Rani: Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development
K Rajan: Revenue
P Prasad: Agriculture
G R Anil: Food and Civil Supplies