Janata Dal (Secular) leader K. Krishnankutty was sworn in as Minister in the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) Cabinet on Tuesday.
At a simple and brief function held at 5 p.m. in the Raj Bhavan auditorium here, Kerala Governor P. Sathasivam administered the Oath of Office and Secrecy to Mr. Krishnankutty, who represents Chittur constituency in the Legislative Assembly.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Ministers, legislators of the ruling LDF, Chief Secretary Tom Jose, State Police Chief Loknath Behra, top IAS and IPS officials attended the swearing-in ceremony. The Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) boycotted the function. The lone BJP legislator, O. Rajgopal was present.
The 74-year-old succeeds Mathew T. Thomas who resigned on Monday from the Cabinet as Minister for Water Resources. Mr. Thomas was asked by the Janta Dal (S) national leadership to relinquish the post to make way for Mr. Krishnankutty as part of rotating the ministerial berth among the senior party legislators. With Mr. Krishnankutty joining the Cabinet, the Thomas faction has been pushing for the position of party state president for the outgoing minister who hails from Thiruvalla.
