KV Thomas awaits CM Vijay’s nod for new diplomatic assignment

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Union Minister K.V. Thomas has revealed that he received an invitation to serve as Tamil Nadu's special representative in New Delhi, shortly after stepping down from a similar role for the Kerala government.

According to Thomas, the offer was extended by business acquaintances who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. He noted that the proposal stemmed from the Tamil Nadu administration's need for seasoned administrators, given Chief Minister Vijay’s recent entry into politics. However, Thomas emphasised that a final decision hinges on official confirmation from the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. "Since Chief Minister Vijay may not be personally aware of this proposal yet, I will make a decision only after understanding his official stance," Thomas clarified. He also claimed to have received similar representations from other states, including Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.

Thomas recently vacated his Delhi office following the declaration of the assembly election results, concluding his tenure as the special representative for the second Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government. A veteran politician, Thomas previously served as both a Kerala state minister and a Union minister during the UPA regime. His long-standing association with the Congress party soured after he was denied a Lok Sabha ticket in 2019. He was formally expelled from the Congress in 2022 after publicly endorsing the Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate during the Thrikkakara by-election, after which the CPI(M)-led government appointed him to the diplomatic role in New Delhi.