‘I’m disappointed in not getting a ministerial berth’; accepted term-sharing formula with Anoop, says Mani C Kappan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Pala MLA-elect Mani C Kappan has openly expressed disappointment over not being offered a ministerial berth. Talking to a media Tuesday morning, he said people from his constituency have been calling to complain, but added that he has been assured a ministerial berth in the second term. He said the deal is for Anoop Jacob to serve as minister for the first two-and-a-half years, followed by him for the next two-and-a-half years.

‘Despite winning by a huge majority, I am disappointed in not becoming a minister. People from my constituency are calling and expressing their dissatisfaction. The condition is that Anoop Jacob will serve for two-and-a-half years and I will get the next two-and-a-half years. Anoop is senior to me, which is why he was considered first. This is his fourth term as MLA, while it is my third. Moreover, he has previously served as a minister.

There are no issues between Anoop and me. Both of us met the chief minister together. We jointly agreed to the term-sharing plan. I have also been promised a cabinet-rank post until I get the ministerial berth. During these two-and-a-half years, I will focus more on working for my constituency. Some Congress ministers also have a term-sharing arrangement, which the chief minister will clarify soon. There are certain reasons for not getting the ministerial post now, but I cannot reveal them at this moment,’ said Mani C Kappan.