Vijayan sworn in as Kerala CM for 2nd time
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPI(M) veteran Pinarayi Vijayan, who led the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to an unprecedented victory in the April 6 assembly polls, on Thursday took oath as Chief Minister of Kerala for the second time along with 20 ministers. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan administered the oath of office to 77-year-old Vijayan and ministers in a low-key function at the Central Stadium, held in accordance with COVID protocol.
CPM veteran Pinarayi Vijayan, who led the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to an unprecedented consecutive victory in the April 6 Assembly polls, on Thursday took oath as Chief Minister of Kerala for the second time along with 20 ministers.
Governor Arif Mohammed Khan administered the oath of office to 77-year-old Vijayan and ministers in a low-key function at the Central Stadium here, which was held completely in accordance with the COVID protocol. Congratulating Vijayan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Congratulations to Shri @vijayanpinarayi Ji on taking oath as CM and commencing his second term in office.”
Vijayan was also greeted by new Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin who led the DMK-Congress alliance to a thumping win in the April 6 Assembly polls.
“Best wishes to my brother @vijayanpinarayi on his swearing in as @CMOKerala and I hope that his determination and perseverance will lead to social equality, peace and prosperity for the people,” Stalin said in a tweet. It is the Marxist veteran’s second stint in the top office. While the Chief Minister and 14 ministers took the oath and made solemn pledge, five took oath in the name of God. Representative of the Indian National League in the CPM-led ministry, Ahamed Devarkovil, took oath in the name of Allah. After taking oath, Vijayan reached his office at state secretariat to take charge as Chief Minister. He also chaired first meeting of Cabinet later.
Opposition Congress-UDF leaders skipped the func
tion in view of COVID-19 spread. Ahead of swearing-in, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala telephoned Vijayan to congratulate him over the formation of the new ministry. An online musical fete featuring 54 singers, chronicling achievements during rule of various Left governments,
greeted dignitaries. Noted singers including KJ Yesudas, Hariharan, Sankar Mahadevan, Amjad Ali Khan, P Jayachandran, KS Chitra, Sujatha, and MG Sreekumar, besides composer AR Rahman and actor Mohan Lal participated in the programme titled ‘Nava Kerala Githanjali.’