NCP MLA Thomas Chandy in driver's seat

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kuttanad NCP MLA  Thomas Chandy was sworn in as minister in the Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet by Governor P. Sathasivam  at a  ceremony held on the Raj Bhavan premises here on Saturday. Mr Vijayan,  his cabinet colleagues, MLAs, prominent leaders and a large number of his supporters from his constituency attended the function. All eyes were on Mr Chandy, 69,  since 3.30 p.m. when he arrived at the special pandal. Prior to the ceremony,  Mr Pinarayi Vijayan, his cabinet colleagues, Speaker, MLAs and prominent people greeted Mr Chandy. Even as the Governor was about to start reading the oath,  Mr Chandy who was not prepared sought a minute. 

Mr Sathasivam obliged and after a few seconds read out his name. Mr Chandy took the oath in God’s name.  He  looked relaxed though a bad throat troubled him.  The Governor handed over a bouquet to him and wished him all the best. “This is on behalf of the chief minister,” he remarked while accepting one from Mr  Vijayan. Later,  ministers, Speaker and  people from different walks of life lined up to greet him on the stage and he  received their bouquets  and flowers.   Mr  A.K. Saseendran,  who had  resigned, also congratulated the new minister.

After the ceremony, there was a family photo op with his wife Mercy Chandy, son and two daughters and grandchildren. None of the prominent Opposition leaders was present at the  ceremony. Most were away in Malappuram to attend the Congress political affairs committee meeting and election campaign. Unlike the swearing-in ceremonies in the past which were marked by slogan-shouting by the partymen,   Mr Chandy’s supporters from Kuttanad remained silent throughout. From Raj Bhavan,  the minister went to the secretariat to take charge in his new office.