Analysis | Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is optimistic about new faces to spur Kerala’s economy

After profitable an unprecedented second mandate, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is massively betting on new faces — P. Rajeeve, K. N. Balagopal and P.A. Mohammed Riyas — to stimulate the economy of the State that has been hit by successive floods and COVID-19-induced lockdown.

This high-stakes experiment assumes significance within the backdrop of the State dealing with a number of challenges in reviving the economy. Adding to the woes introduced on by the extraordinary second wave of COVID-19 is the perilous monetary burden stemming from the exodus of expatriates from the Gulf Cooperation Council nations.

The rebound of Kerala’s economy will largely rely upon each Mr. Balagopal and Mr. Rajeeve who will likely be dealing with the Finance and Industries portfolios respectively. Mr. Vijayan, who enjoys a dominance over his occasion, has stored up his propensity for shock with the induction of new faces. So, to play a greater second innings, the Chief Minister had reposed a variety of religion in them, CPI (M) sources stated.

Pragmatic selections

Mr. Balagopal, who is making it to the Legislature for the primary time, had earned kudos on his tenure within the Rajya Sabha earlier. However, he would have to take pragmatic selections on all excellent issues throughout the ambit of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) guidelines and so far as attainable to keep away from a battle with the BJP-led NDA authorities on the Centre.

In the case of Mr. Rajeeve, he had additionally acquired accolades for his parliamentary efficiency even from political opponents within the Upper House. Certainly, he too will play a mature and important function to make a much-needed turnabout within the economy.

Another first-time legislator to navigate the ability corridors is the inexperienced Mr. Riyas who will deal with Public Works and Tourism. Like others, he too faces a frightening job. More importantly, he has to fend off criticism that he was given a Cabinet berth for being the son-in-law of the Chief Minister, the sources stated.

However, occasion functionaries reckon that the induction of Mr. Riyas, the Beypore MLA and DYFI nationwide president, into the council of ministers has each advantage and political technique.

CM’s belief

Mr. Riyas, it is typically believed, has been having the belief of the Chief Minister for fairly a very long time after his unsuccessful try to win the Kozhikode Lok sabha seat in 2009. But whereas within the Cabinet, he would have to show his mettle in dealing with the heavy portfolio.

This particularly when his antecedent, G. Sudhakaran, dealt with the Public Works Department with élan and with out getting entrapped in any coterie tradition or bending to the whims of presidency officers.