Thiruvananthapuram: Chances are bright for BJP leader and former Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan to become a Central Minister. National leaders of the BJP have already discussed the matter informally with some senior party leaders in Kerala.
It is learnt that Kummanam is being considered for the environmental affairs minister's post, among other portfolios. However, the final decision would be taken only by the national leadership.
BJP's top leaders wish to entrust Kummanam with a key portfolio even though he was defeated in the Lok Sabha elections from Thiruvananthapuram. It is felt that making Kummanam a Central Minister would benefit the party immensely in Kerala.
Kummanam, who was the president of BJP's Kerala unit, was dramatically appointed as the Governor of Mizoram a day before the Chengannur Assembly bypoll last year. He later resigned from the Governor’s post to contest the Lok Sabha election from Thiruvananthapuram.
The BJP is also actively considering a proposal to have two Central ministers from Kerala. Apart from Kummanam, either Suresh Gopi or V Muraleedharan could make it to the ministry. Both of them are Rajya Sabha members.
Suresh Gopi's chances brightened after his creditable show in the Lok Sabha election from Thrissur. He polled 2,93,822 votes, which was 1,91,141 votes more than what the BJP secured in the previous election.
Meanwhile, a large section of BJP leaders in Kerala want Muraleedharan to be made a Central Minister. During the term of the first Narendra Modi ministry also, there were reports that he would be chosen to be part of it. However, it was Alphons Kannanthanam who got the nod. There are supporters for Kannanthanam in the party as well as others who want him replaced.
BJP national chief Amit Shah, meanwhile, prefers leaders from states where the party has made significant gains. In that case, a decision regarding Kerala's representation in Central Ministry may be taken based on the upcoming Assembly bypolls in the state too.
