Cabinet reshuffle in November; Ganesh, Kadannappalli likely to become ministers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The second Pinarayi cabinet, which is completing two and a half years, will undergo a reshuffle by November. Ministers Antony Raju and Ahamed Devarkovil will have to step down as per the Left Front agreement. Ramachandran Kadanapalli and KB Ganesh Kumar are likely to replace them as ministers. Although it was heard that there were some hurdles before the move to make Ganesh Kumar a minister, LDF convener EP Jayarajan said that there is no need to keep him aside.

These matters have not been discussed in the CPM or the Left Front. The LDF meeting on the 20th and the CPM state committee meeting in the following days may discuss the matter. The Chief Minister and the party are apparently not satisfied with the performance of some CPM ministers. Although these ministers will not be removed from the cabinet, they may have their portfolios changed. Veena George is most likely to be removed from the post of Health Minister. MB Rajesh might have to give up the Excise Department. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will take the final decision.

It is also indicated that VN Vasavan will be made the Excise Minister. Minister Saji Cheriyan may also get an additional portfolio. Although rumours are rife that A N Shamseer will be removed from the post of Speaker and made a minister, such a move is not likely to happen.

As per the agreement made within the Left Front, four parties with one MLA each would serve two-and-a-half years as ministers. Antony Raju of the Democratic Kerala Congress and Ahamed Devarkovil of INL became ministers in the first term. Ramachandran Kadannappalli of Congress S and Ganesh Kumar of Kerala Congress B are next in line. Although NCP and LJD are also demanding ministerial posts, the LDF leadership is not likely to consider this demand.