Kerala CPM government gives Cabinet rank post to former Congress leader Thomas

Thiruvananthapuram: CPM led LDF government in Kerala on Thursday gave a plum position to former Congress veteran Mr K.V. Thomas appointing him as the special representative of the state in New Delhi.

The decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan. Mr Thomas, 76, who will enjoy a handsome pay packet and perks in the new Cabinet rank post, was expelled by the Congress for anti- party activities last year.

The former union food and civil supplies minister had addressed a seminar at the CPM party Congress in Kannur defying the state Congress leadership's directive. He also campaigned for the CPM candidate in the Thrikkakara assembly by polls which the LDF eventually lost.

The Kerala government had appointed former Netherlands ambassador Venu Rajamony as the Officer on Special Duty in September 2021.

While reacting to the new posting, Thomas said he endorsed the ideals of the Left and wanted to work for the development of Kerala. The veteran leader said that he would use his close connections with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top leaders, to the advantage of Kerala.

Opposition leader V.D. Satheeshan alleged that the new posting for Thomas was part of a deal between the CPM and the BJP.