AN Shamseer steps down as Keralam Assembly speaker after 44-month tenure
Thiruvananthapuram, May 20
AN Shamseer on Wednesday stepped down as Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly and vacated the official Speaker's residence 'Neethi' after completing a 44-month tenure marked by emotional farewell moments and political reflection.
One of the most poignant moments during his departure was the removal of photographs of his political mentor and former CPI(M) leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan from the official residence.
Speaking to the media after vacating the residence, Shamseer said he was leaving the constitutional post with pride and satisfaction.
"I am stepping down from this position with happiness and even greater pride," he said.
Shamseer thanked everyone who had supported him during his tenure in upholding democratic values and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Assembly.
He also stated that he would now return to active political work, with a primary focus on Kannur district.
Notably, Shamseer served as the 24th Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly from 2022 to 2026.
Meanwhile, the Kerala government officially released the notification allocating portfolios among members of the newly formed cabinet led by Chief Minister VD Satheesan.
According to the notification, Chief Minister Satheesan will retain several key portfolios, including Finance, Kerala Financial Corporation, Ports, Law, Pollution Control, Airports, Metro Rail and Railways.
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has been assigned the Home portfolio along with Vigilance, Fire and Rescue Services, Prisons and Coir.
K Muraleedharan has been given charge of Health and Medical Education, including Ayush, Drugs Control and Devaswoms, while PK Kunhalikutty will head Industries and Commerce along with Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, start-ups, mining and geology, and handlooms and textiles.
The Tourism and Culture portfolio, including the Kerala State Film Development Corporation, has been allocated to PC Vishnunadh, while PK Basheer will head the Public Works Department.
Other major appointments include Sunny Joseph for Electricity and Parliamentary Affairs, T Siddique for Agriculture, and Bindhu Krishna for Labour, Women and Child Development, and Dairy Development.
The notification also confirmed portfolios for several other cabinet ministers overseeing education, irrigation, fisheries, forests, transport, rural development and social justice departments.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The cabinet reshuffle is more interesting! Ramesh Chennithala getting Home - that's a big responsibility for a veteran. But why is CM holding so many portfolios? Finance, Law, Ports, Airports... bit too much for one person na? 🤔
As a Malayali, I feel Shamseer maintained decorum well in the Assembly. Those emotional moments are part of our political culture. But honestly, the real question is: will this new cabinet deliver on development? Tourism to Vishnunadh - interesting choice.
"Stepping down with pride" - that's a classy exit. But removing photos from the official residence? That seems like a small-minded move in a democracy. Leaders should rise above personal loyalties. Still, wish him well in Kannur politics. ✌️
Big portfolios for Congress bigwigs - Chennithala (Home), Muraleedharan (Health). But where is the youth representation? Only Bindhu Krishna for Labour and Women? Kerala needs fresh energy in AI and start-ups too - glad Kunhalikutty has that.
The emotional farewell photos are going viral! But I'm more concerned about practical matters - CM holding 8 portfolios including Railways? In a coalition government, that's asking for trouble. Power should be distributed better. Just saying. 😅
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