KOCHI: Ernakulam district is riding a wave of pride and high expectations after securing a dominant presence in the newly formed state cabinet. While the district has previously sent up to three ministers to the cabinet on two occasions, this term marks a historic milestone as the Chief Minister also hails from Ernakulam. The United Democratic Front (UDF), which swept all 14 assembly seats in the district, celebrated the swearing-in ceremony with immense fervour.
A massive contingent from Paravur, alongside prominent Congress and alliance leaders—including Mohammed Shiyas, Kochi MLA-elect and close aide to V.D. Satheesan—travelled to the state capital to witness the oath-taking ceremony.
This marks a significant shift from the previous administrations; the second Pinarayi Vijayan government had only P. Rajeev representing the district, while the first Pinarayi cabinet had no representation from Ernakulam at all. Notably, Kalamassery has retained its cabinet presence this time around as well.
Sweet revenge for Abdul Gafoor
For IUML’s V.E. Abdul Gafoor, his induction into the cabinet is a moment of double celebration and political vindication. Following in the footsteps of his father, V.K. Ebrahim Kunju, Gafoor secured his victory from the Kalamassery constituency. A lawyer by profession and a talented cricketer, Gafoor bounced back from a defeat in his debut election to defeat P. Rajeev in his second run. His cabinet berth was further solidified by the IUML’s strategic decision to appoint a minister from outside the Malabar region.
Unexpected windfall for Roji M. John
Roji M. John’s inclusion in the cabinet came as a last-minute surprise. The Angamaly representative benefited significantly from his close ties with Rahul Gandhi and the backing of the K.C. Venugopal faction, with Gandhi’s direct intervention ultimately securing him the post. He becomes the first minister from Angamaly since Jose Thettayil.
Anoop Jacob returns to the Cabinet
Anoop Jacob’s ministerial berth was highly anticipated. Representing the alliance partner Kerala Congress (Jacob), Anoop brings prior administrative experience to the table. The Piravom MLA is the son of the late veteran parliamentarian and former minister, T.M. Jacob.
Group politics cost two senior leaders
Meanwhile, senior leaders V.P. Sajeendran (Kunnathunad) and Anwar Sadath (Aluva), who were both strong contenders, missed out on cabinet berths. Internal factional equations within the Congress party reportedly sidelined Sadath, a four-time MLA, and Sajeendran, who has won three times.
Ernakulam's Representation in Recent Cabinets
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