Thomas Chandy set to replace A K Saseendran

Kochi: The state unit of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a partner in the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), has decided to propose Kuttanad MLA Thomas Chandy's name as the new minister in place of A K Saseendran, who resigned on Sunday.

Saseendran, who was the transport minister in the Pinarayi Vijayan ministry, had resigned after a TV channel released the audio clip of his lewd conversation with a woman over the phone.

Thomas Chandy said NCP can rightfully stake claim to the ministerial berth that has fallen vacant due to the resignation of Saseendran.He said he is ready to be the party's nominee for the minister's post and added that he will vacate the post if Saseendran comes back after proving his innocence.

NCP is not willing to hand over the portfolio that it held the portfolio that it held to any other minister. The party does not have any problem if Chief Minister keeps the portfolio. There are MLAs capable of being ministers in the party, he said.

The party state president Uzavoor Vijayan said the party will propose Chandy's name to the national leadership. After approval from the central leadership , the party will request the Chief Minister and the Left Front to induct Thomas Chandy in the ministry.