Jayarajan all set to return to CPI-M-led LDF ministry

Thiruvananthapuram: The CPI-M in Kerala on Friday gave the go-ahead for reinducting its strongman E P Jayarajan, who resigned as Minister in 2016 over nepotism charges, into the party-led LDF ministry.

Addressing a press conference after its secretariat meeting here, CPI-M state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said the party has asked for a cabinet reshuffle by inducting Jayarajan in the cabinet.

The date and time for swearing-in would be decided by the chief minister, he said, adding that Jayarajan would be given the Industries portfolio which he held earlier.

Jayarajan, a party strongman from Kannur, holding the Industries and Sports portfolio, had resigned in October 2016 over nepotism charges.

Jayarajan landed in trouble after appointment of his nephew, P K Sudheer Nambiar and son of Kannur MP P K Sreemathi as the Managing Director of Kerala Industrial Enterprises Ltd.

However, the vigilance and anti-corruption bureau, which probed the case, gave a clean chit to Jayarajan, stating that no criminal offence was detected.