Kochi: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) appears to be moving towards a decision to replace A K Saseendran as Kerala’s Minister for Forests and Wildlife Protection. Kuttanad MLA Thomas K Thomas is being tipped as the likely successor. 

According to reports, the party has decided on the principle that no individual should hold office for an extended period. Should the central leadership's stance become definitive, Saseendran is expected to step down. It is also reported that the Chief Minister has given his nod to this development. 

Party insiders indicate that key figures like P C Chacko have endorsed the decision. Discussions have been held within the party, and the national leadership has been briefed, with a final decision now pending.

Meanwhile, Thomas K Thomas told Mathrubhumi that he has not yet received any formal communication from either the national or state leadership regarding this matter. He acknowledged that discussions are ongoing within the party but refrained from making further comments until official communication is received. 

After the 2021 elections, Thomas proposed that two NCP MLAs should hold office, allowing each to serve for two-and-a-half years. However, this suggestion was turned down. 

Around the same time, Chacko, who shifted from Congress to the NCP, assumed the role of state president. Initially, Chacko's stance was that there was no agreement on sharing the ministry, leading to discontent from Thomas. 

There are also reports suggesting that Chacko has concluded that the party cannot afford internal conflicts with local body elections approaching.