Thiruvananthapuram: Minister K Radhakrishnan, who got elected from Alathur Lok Sabha constituency, becoming the lone Left MP from Kerala, will not be replaced soon. The replacement will only be done after the CPM’s election evaluation meeting scheduled between June 16 and 20. 

On Wednesday, Radhakrishnan attended the Cabinet meeting held after many weeks. It is learned that Radhakrishnan has told his colleagues that he would tender resignation from the ministerial post as and when the party directs. The election was not discussed in the Cabinet meeting either. 

A total revamp of the Cabinet along with the replacement of Radhakrishnan is not expected. The second Pinarayi Government had given priority to young blood than to experienced hands, a move which did not yield much results. It has been assessed that many young ministers turned out to be inept in making any changes. There were speculations that such ministers will be replaced soon. However, the CPM has denied the same. 

Radhakrishnan is the Minister for the Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes, Devaswoms and Parliamentary Affairs. Radhakrishnan, MLA from the Chelakkara reserved seat, is one of the senior ministers in the Pinarayi Ministry. So seniority and SC category will also be considered for the replacement. 

Out of the total 16 MLA belonging to the SC category, 14 are from the LDF. O R Kelu from Wayanad, which saw a lower voter share for the Left, is likely to be considered. The CPM will have to find an apt candidate for the byelection from Chelakkara when Radhakrishnan resigns from MLA post.