THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPI-M  veteran leader Saji Cherian was on Wednesday, January 4,  sworn in as a Kerala minister by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan.

Saji Cherian had quit on July 6, 2022 as Minister for Fisheries, Culture, and Youth Affairs following a controversy over his alleged remarks insulting the Constitution while speaking at a party meeting in Pathanamthitta district. However, Around six months later, now he returns to the cabinet.

Regrettably, While all the top Left leaders, including ministers, were present, the Congress-led UDF and the Bharatiya Janata Party boycotted the function.

The CPI-M last week determined to make Cherian a minister again and informed the Governor Arif Khan, who said he will have to seek legal opinion. But yesterday after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called up the Governor, the move was fast-tracked and Cherian sworn-in.

Earlier in the day, BJP's Kerala in charge Prakash Javadekar, initiating a party protest in Thiruvananthapuram against the return of Cherian, said that it is strange that a person who went out for flaying the Constitution has been bought back.

Kerala: Governor's approval on Saji Cherian’s return to Pinarayi Cabinet