Pinarayi’s Cabinet to Have 19 Ministers, and Cut Down on Expenses

LDF has also decided to do away with the post of Chief whip.

CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan. (Photo Courtesy: The News Minute)

The CPI(M)-led LDF which came to power on May 16 in Kerala has decided to have a leaner cabinet, according to Manorama.

LDF Convener Vaikom Viswan announced that the new government headed by Pinarayi Vijayan would have 19 ministers.

The post of Speaker goes to CPM and deputy speaker to CPI.

The previous Congress led UDF government had 21 ministers. LDF has decided to do away with the post of Chief whip.

LDF has also decided to cut the personal expenses of ministers in the new government. Ministers will have a personal staff of 25 now.

Tentative List of Minister Portfolios

The tentative list of ministers and their portfolios are as follows:-

1) EP Jayarajan – Industries

2) KK Shailaja – Health

3) AK Balan – Local self government, SC/ST Welfare

4) Thomas Issac – Finance

5) G Sudhakaran – Public works

6) J Mercykutty Amma – Fisheries, ports

7) TP Ramakrishnan – Excise, Labour

8) C Raveendranath – Education

9) KT Jaleel – Tourism, Minority welfare

10) Kadakampally Surendran – Electricity

11) AC Moideen – Co-operation

(With inputs from Manorama and Matrubhumi.)

Also Read: Achuthanandan Passed Over, Pinarayi Vijayan Will Be Kerala CM