Ganesh Kumar rated best minister in 2nd Pinarayi Cabinet; Sivankutty next: Mood of State Survey

Thiruvananthapuram: KB Ganesh Kumar has emerged as the best-performing minister in the second cabinet of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, according to a comprehensive ‘Mood of the State’ survey conducted by Citizens Opinion Research and Evaluation (CORE) for Mathrubhumi on public perception of ministers’ performance.

Based on a massive sample of 28,432 voters across all 140 constituencies, Ganesh Kumar secured 24.17% support, placing him comfortably ahead of V Sivankutty, who came second with 19.38%. PA Mohammed Riyas finished third with 9.67%, followed closely by Veena George and P Rajeeve.

Regional trends

The survey reveals interesting regional variations.

In Northern Kerala (60 constituencies), Ganesh Kumar again led the list with 19.91%, but the contest was much tighter. Mohammed Riyas came second with 17.63%, narrowly ahead of Sivankutty with 17.48%. Rajeeve (10.18%) and Veena George (9.11%) followed.

In Central Kerala (40 constituencies), however, Sivankutty topped the chart with 24.14%, pushing Ganesh Kumar to second place with 21.82%. Veena George (10.56%) and Rajeeve (6.80%) were among the other prominent choices.

In South Kerala (40 constituencies), Ganesh Kumar enjoyed a dominant lead with 34.25%, far ahead of Sivankutty (17.96%). Veena George (7.34%), Balagopal (6.48%), and Rajeeve (6.25%) followed.

Gender-wise responses

The survey shows similar preferences among male and female respondents.

Among women, Ganesh Kumar received 23.37%, followed by Sivankutty with 20.07%. Veena George came third with 11.05%, while Mohammed Riyas secured 9.94%.

Among men, Ganesh Kumar again topped with 24.97%, followed by Sivankutty with 18.76%. Mohammed Riyas (9.39%), Rajeeve (8.29%), and Veena George (7.21%) were the next most preferred ministers.

Religion-wise preferences

Across religious communities, Ganesh Kumar maintained the top position. Among Hindu respondents, Ganesh Kumar led with 25.34%, followed by Sivankutty with 19.08%. Among Christian respondents too, Ganesh Kumar topped the list with 25.47%, ahead of Sivankutty at 20.76%. Among Muslim respondents, Ganesh Kumar secured 20.75%, with Sivankutty close behind at 19.13%.

Gen Z voters

The survey also examined the views of Gen Z voters, where Ganesh Kumar secured the highest rating at 28.47%. Sivankutty came second with 20.02%, followed by Mohammed Riyas (11.28%), Rajeeve (8.02%), and Veena George (7.30%).

Ganesh Kumar and Sivankutty emerge as the most recognised performers in the second Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet.