Thalassery MLA AN Shamseer will be the new Speaker, while Rajesh's portfolio in the Cabinet will be decided later.
Published Sep 02, 2022 | 6:33 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 02, 2022 | 6:37 PM
M B Rajesh (South First)
Putting to end speculations of a complete overhaul of the Pinarayi Vijayan Cabinet in Kerala, the state secretariat of the ruling CPI(M), which met on Friday, 2 September, directed Assembly Speaker MB Rajesh to resign from the post and join the Cabinet.
A former Lok Sabha member, Rajesh represents the Thrithala constituency in the Assembly.
He will replace MV Govindan, who will resign soon to become the party’s state secretary.
AN Shamseer, the MLA from Thalassery in Kannur, will be the new Assembly Speaker.
The party secretariat, in a statement issued on Friday evening, confirmed the change in the composition of the Cabinet.
AN Shamseer, who will replace MB Rajesh as Assembly Speaker. (South First)
Rajesh’s portfolio would be decided on later. In accordance with that, there would be changes in the portfolios of other ministers as well.
Rajesh, with a blemishless political life, is expected to be an asset to the Cabinet at a time when several other ministers are embroiled in different controversies.
Both Rajesh and Shamseer represent the second-line leadership in the party.
At present, there is a vacancy in the Cabinet due to the resignation of Saji Cheriyan as cultural affairs minister after he courted controversy with a speech that was critical of the Indian Constitution.
With Govindan vacating his ministership, the vacancies will turn to two. However, the party has decided to choose only one new minister for the time being.
Shamseer’s elevation as Speaker is expected to ensure the representation of the Kannur district and the Muslim community at the top administrative levels.
Though there were rumours that experienced hands like KK Shailaja and Thomas Issac would be brought back to the Cabinet to overcome the notion that it consists of junior underperformers, the party decided not to have an overhaul at present.
It also decided not to amend the policy of infusing new blood into the top ranks of the government.
