THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There will be no new minister to replace Saji Cheriyan, who resigned from the cabinet on Wednesday. In the context of a case registered against the controversial speech, a decision on whether to include a new minister will be taken only after evaluating its progress. The important portfolios of culture, fisheries and youth welfare, which were handled by Saji Cheriyan, may be temporarily handed over to other ministers. The fisheries department is likely to be handed over to VN Vasavan or K Radhakrishnan. Currently, these departments are managed by the Chief Minister.

The possibility of Saji Cheriyan returning to the cabinet cannot be ruled out if he escapes unharmed in the case. The CPM state secretariat meeting today will assess the situation after the resignation and the further steps.

MLA position depending on case

The future of Saji Cherian's MLA status will depend on the verdict in the case. It is assessed that he will not have to resign for the time being. Sources said that the opposition will not put that much pressure on the assembly for the resignation of the MLA. The opposition considers Saji Cheriyan's resignation from the cabinet as its political victory. The UDF also believes that other popular issues should be strongly raised in the assembly. At the same time, the opposition is raising the argument that it is appropriate to resign from the post of MLA. The Left Front is also of the view that Saji Cheriyan should not resign as MLA. CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran rejected the opposition demand.