MLA O R Kelu likely to become minister; seven other MLAs under consideration

KALPETTA: With K Radhakrishnan getting a hard-fought victory in Alathur, the void in the ministry is likely to be filled by Mananthavady MLA O R Kelu. The government can’t just keep a blind eye on Kelu, who won for the second time from Mananthavady, a congress stronghold. Kelu became MLA after defeating former Minister P.K. Jayalakshmi.

In his tenure as MLA, O R Kelu turned into a popular face among the people of Mananthavady. Belonging to the Kurichya community, Kelu's rise was gradual. He was a member and president of Thirunelli Grama Panchayat for ten years and then a member of Mananthavadi Block Panchayat for two years. In the meantime, he reached the Legislative Assembly for the first time in 2016. Kelu was elected to the CPM district committee and secretariat and is currently a member of the state committee.

Newly elected MP K. Radhakrishnan will leave behind his charge of departments concerning Scheduled Tribe Backward Welfare, Devaswom and Parliamentary Affairs. OS Ambika (Attingal), MS Arunkumar (Mavelikara), PV Srinijan (Kunnathunad), KM Sachindev (Balussery), A. Raja (Devikulam), Shanthakumari K (Kongad), PP Sumod (Tarur) are other CPM MLAs from reservation category. All these members are also under consideration by the party for the ministerial berth.