Manjalamkuzhi Ali and Anoop Jacob sworn in as ministers on Kerala

Kerala got two more ministers on Thursday. The new ministers, Manjalamkuzhi Ali of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Anoop Jacob of Kerala Congress (Jacob) swore in on 12th April at the Raj Bhavan.

The ministers were administered the oath of office by HR Bhardwaj, Governor of Karnataka who also holds the charge of Kerala. This took the tally of the members in the cabinet to 21.

Anoop Jacob, the son of late TM Jacob, will handle the Food and Civil Supplies department, the same held by his father. He became a legislator last month winning in the bi-election at Piravom constituency caused by the death of TM Jacob. This is the maiden entry of Anoop Jacob to the Legislative Assembly.

Manjalamkuzhi Ali, 60, is a film producer and businessman. He began his political career as a part of CPI(M) Left Democratic Front. He was elected to the legislative assembly in 2001 as an independant candidate supported by LDF and repeated the success in the 2006 elections. He joined the Muslim League in 2010 after splitting with LDF. Ali will handle the departments of City Development and Minority Affairs.

The expansion of cabinet has already triggered on hot debates. This is the first time that the IUML is getting five ministers. The 5th minister has been a subject of debates for days. The opposition has also come up with attacks against UDF on the unnecessary cabinet expansion.