Thiruvananthapuram: With the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) confident of securing a third consecutive term, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is reportedly weighing a minor cabinet reshuffle involving changes in ministerial portfolios and possible new entrants to the cabinet.
LDF convenor T.P. Ramakrishnan recently expressed certainty about a third term, bolstering the possibility of imminent restructuring. The development assumes further significance in the context of internal shifts within the opposition Congress. Party president and Kannur MP K. Sudhakaran has been elevated to the Congress Working Committee as a permanent invitee. At the same time, his close associate, Sunny Joseph, has taken over key leadership responsibilities. Both leaders hail from Kannur — Vijayan’s home district and a traditional CPI(M) stronghold, adding to the political undertones of the move.
According to party sources, the possible reshuffle is linked to the growing visibility and influence of Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, who is also Vijayan’s son-in-law. Despite Riyas’ prominence and close association with the chief minister, political circles are abuzz with speculation that both he and Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian, another trusted aide, may be dropped from the cabinet.
There is also growing speculation that Speaker A.N. Shamseer could be inducted into the cabinet. This would potentially open the door for the return of former Health Minister K.K. Shailaja, who may be appointed Speaker — a role never before held by a woman in Kerala. Shailaja, widely lauded for her leadership during the 2016–2021 term in the health portfolio, was a surprising exclusion from the second-term cabinet.
Names doing the rounds for possible ministerial positions include P.P. Chitharanjan from Alappuzha — the home district of Saji Cherian — Thottathil Ravindran from Kozhikode, known for his loyalty to Vijayan, and K. Ansalan from Thiruvananthapuram.
A political observer, requesting anonymity, noted that Vijayan, known for his strong control over both the government and the party, may be strategically planning the reshuffle to balance caste and regional representation ahead of the upcoming local body and assembly elections. "Vijayan is a master of social engineering," the observer said. "With the Congress already adjusting its equations, he may do the same to maintain the CPI(M)’s edge."
The observer further added that if Riyas and Cherian are relieved of their ministerial roles, it could signal their transition to more significant responsibilities within the CPI(M) party structure, particularly given their current standing in the state secretariat. “This move would also address criticism that Riyas was promoted to a ministerial post without sufficient seniority,” the observer noted.
All eyes are now on Chief Minister Vijayan, whose unchallenged leadership has defined Kerala politics since 2016, to see if he will indeed carry out the anticipated cabinet reshuffle.
With IANS inputs