Latest NewsOommen Chandy sworn in as 21st Cheif Minister of Kerala

Latest NewsOommen Chandy sworn in as 21st Cheif Minister of Kerala

Swearing in ceremony of Oommen Chandy, six Ministers begins at Raj Bhavan

Congress veteran Oommen Chandy was today sworn in as the 21st Chief Minister of Kerala along with six ministers. The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Governor R S Gavai at a function held at the Raj Bhavan at 2 pm.

After Chandy was sworn in, then it was the turn of P K Kunhalikutty followed by K M Mani, K P Mohanan, T M Jacob, K B Ganesh Kumar and Shibu Baby John. The Congress Legislature Party unanimously elected Chandy as its leader on Sunday after Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President Ramesh Chennithala opted out of the race.

Former chief minister V S Achuthanandan and many others were present at the function. The UDF won by 72 seats, while the CPI (M)-led LDF bagged 68 seats.

The aim of the UDF cabinet is to implement the promises assured, said the designated chief minister Oommen Chandy.

Talking to reporters here, he said there is no pressure from the allied parties, they just informed their demands. Some important things will be discussed in the first cabinet meet itself.

The cabinet will consider a proposal to reduce tax on petrol. The reduction is proposed to partially offset the increase in petrol prices. If taken, the decision would bring down prices of petrol by at least Rs 1.25 a litre.

That will entail a loss of about Rs 50 lakh a day to the exchequer. Currently, the rate of tax on petrol is about 29 per cent. Not only that a special package for endosulfan victims will be announced in the first cabinet meet.