If Shamseer clinches a berth then that dearth will be filled, another important post awaits V Sivankutty, party's single term for a minister may spoil K K Shailaja’s prospects

NILAMBUR: Many names are being heard to replace M V Govindan made CPM state secretary. However, the cabinet reshuffle will be only after Onam. If decided to choose a minister from Kannur, then the names of central committee member and former health minister K K Shailaja from the first Pinarayi cabinet and state committee member A N Shamseer are heard. However, the CPM’s single term for a minister norm may spoil Shylaja’s prospects again. They are unlikely to reverse the decision for her.

If a replacement is sought from Kasaragod, then chances are for C H Kunjambu. Meantime, there are speculations that P Nandakumar, a CITU prominent from Malappuram, would be considered. Cabinet reshuffle would be discussed in the state secretariat meet convened on Friday. There may be some change in the portfolios. There were three from Kannur including the chief minister in the first Pinarayi cabinet. E Chandrasekharan of CPI from Kasargod was there. There was no representation from Kasargod in the second cabinet. Apart from the chief minister from Kannur, there is M V Govindan. When he resigns, the representation of Kannur will be reduced to the chief minister only. There is also an opinion that there is no need for another minister as the chief minister is there. Kadannappaly Ramachandran will be made a minister after a year.

There are no CPM ministers from Alappuzha to replace Saji Cherian who had to resign. Even though there is a possibility for Saji Cherian to return, a decision will be taken only after looking at the technical issue of the case in Thiruvalla in the name of the controversial speech. It is also a headache for Minister V Sivankutty as he will have to face the trial in the assembly ruckus case. It is speculated that Sivankutty will be made district secretary and V Joy, a minister. The leadership is rejecting all these.

It is also heard that Speaker M B Rajesh will be given a ministerial berth and Minister Veena George will be made Speaker. The leadership has made it clear that there will be no significant reshuffle. Governor Arif Mohammad Khan will reach the state only on September 6. He will partake in the function attended by the Prime Minister on September 2 in Kochi and then return to Delhi. Onam holidays will begin from September 7. The new minister will be sworn in after the Onam vacation as per the convenience of the Governor.