Is Kerala's Chief Minister Vijayan Planning a Cabinet Reshuffle?

Thiruvananthapuram, May 12 (NationPress) As the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) appears poised to win a third consecutive term, a sentiment echoed by LDF convenor T.P. Ramakrishnan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is reportedly contemplating a minor cabinet reshuffle that may introduce new faces and alter existing portfolios.

This potential reshuffle comes against the backdrop of recent changes within the opposition Congress, where party president and Kannur MP K. Sudhakaran has been appointed a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee.

Sunny Joseph, his close associate, has stepped into the party leadership role. Significantly, both Sudhakaran and Joseph originate from Kannur, which is also Vijayan’s constituency and a stronghold for CPI(M).

Insiders suggest that the anticipated changes may be associated with the rising prominence of P.A. Mohammed Riyas, the Tourism Minister and Vijayan's son-in-law.

Political analysts speculate that Vijayan, recognized for his firm control over the government and party, might surprise many by replacing Riyas and Saji Cherian, the Fisheries Minister, both of whom are viewed as close allies.

Additionally, there is talk that A.N. Shamseer, the Speaker, could be included in the cabinet, potentially allowing former Health Minister K.K. Shailaja to take over as Speaker.

Shailaja earned widespread praise for her management of the health department during the 2016-21 term but was unexpectedly omitted from the cabinet during Vijayan’s second term. If she becomes Speaker, she would make history as the first woman to hold the position in Kerala.

Other candidates for ministerial appointments include P.P. Chitharanjan from Alappuzha (the home district of Saji Cherian), Thottathil Ravindran from Kozhikode, a known loyalist of Vijayan, and K. Ansalan from Thiruvananthapuram.

A political observer, wishing to remain anonymous, remarked, “Vijayan is adept at social engineering. With local body and assembly elections looming in less than a year, he might leverage the reshuffle to balance caste and regional dynamics, especially since the Congress has already begun similar strategies.”

The observer further noted that if Riyas and Cherian are relieved of their ministerial roles, it could be a tactical decision aimed at assigning them more significant responsibilities within the party, given their positions in the CPI(M) state secretariat.

“This move would also address critics who felt Riyas was promoted to a ministerial role while overlooking senior leaders,” the observer added.

All eyes are now fixed on Vijayan, whose unique authority has influenced the political landscape of the state since 2016, to see if he will indeed proceed with the reshuffle.