CPI(MP) member and MLA Veena George will most likely succeed KK Shailaja as Kerala’s new health minister, according to reports on Wednesday.
As soon as the news of Shailaja’s removal became public on May 18, media observers and people expressed their outrage online, as the “rockstar” minister’s management of the Nipah and COVID-19 outbreaks in Kerala had been internationally recognised.
Also Read | K.K. Shailaja: Kerala’s “rockstar” ex-health minister and beloved “teacher”
Shailaja told ANI it was “a very good decision”. “It’s a very good thing that a new cabinet is coming now. Everyone should get an opportunity,” she added.
Also known as “Shailaja Teacher,” she retained her Mattannur Assembly constituency with a decisive majority of 61,035 votes — the highest in recent electoral history. Her victory margin is far greater than even that of Chief Minister-elect Pinarayi Vijayan.
Also Read | ‘Coronavirus slayer’ KK Shailaja out of Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s cabinet
According to reports, George may take over as Kerala’s next Health Minister, replacing KK Shailaja, who will take on the position of party whip.
Kerala is on the verge of electing the first female journalist-turned-politician to the state’s governing cabinet. Veena George is one of three female ministers in the state’s Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, which is headed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The other two are Dr. R Bindu and Chinchu Rani.
Ms. George, the incoming Health Minister, began her career as a journalist before becoming a politician. She was voted into office to the Aranmula assembly seat in 2016 and was re-elected this year from the same Pathanamthitta district constituency.
Also Read | Black fungus cases spike, Delhi’s AIIMS reports 20 cases daily
On Thursday, May 20, the 21-member Kerala Cabinet will take their oath.
PA Mohammed Riyas — a first-time MLA from Beypore and CM Vijayan’s son-in-law — will be the new Minister for Public Works Department, whereas KN Balagopal will be the new Finance Minister.
Meanwhile, Kerala’s new higher education minister will be R Bindu, a woman legislator.
