O R Kelu Takes Charge as Minister in Kerala's Left Front Government

Senior CPI(M) leader O R Kelu was sworn in as a minister in the Left Front government in Kerala. He replaces K Radhakrishnan and launches 'online treatment assistance disbursal' for Scheduled Tribes. Kelu aims to implement welfare projects for the SC/ST communities effectively.

Senior CPI(M) leader and MLA O R Kelu was sworn in as a minister in the Left Front government in Kerala on Sunday at Raj Bhavan here. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan administered the oath of office to the new minister.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, cabinet colleagues, and other key political figures, including Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, witnessed the ceremony. Kelu's family from the Mananthavady constituency in Wayanad District was also in attendance.

Replacing K Radhakrishnan, Kelu took charge of the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department and launched the 'online treatment assistance disbursal' system for Scheduled Tribes.

Kelu, a tribal community leader, emphasized prioritizing welfare projects for SC/ST communities and addressing the human-animal conflict in Wayanad with joint efforts from various levels of government.

Notably, Kelu is the second person from the Scheduled Tribes community to become a minister after Congress leader P K Jayalekshmi. His political journey began as a ward member in Thirunelli Panchayat and included several leadership roles since 2000. He was elected MLA in 2016 and re-elected in 2021.

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