CPI (M) MLA MM Mani took oath as a minister in the Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet on Tuesday. 

The swearing in ceremony was held at 4:30pm in the Raj Bhavan premises in Thiruvananthapuram, and the state’s Governor P Sathasivam presided over the ceremony. Mani took oath as the Minister for Electricity. 

The 71-year-old was given a ministerial berth following the exit of Industries and Sports Minister EP Jayarajan, over allegations of nepotism. The portfolios of ministers AC Moideen and Kadakampally Surendran were reshuffled to accommodate the new minister. 

Screengrab/Manorama News

Though a low-key affair, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the other ministers in the cabinet and Mani’s family took part in the function.

According to reports, Mani has been allotted room number 619 in the south block of the state secretariat. 

Though Mani joined the party in 1966 at the age of 22, this is the first time he has become minister. He is the longest serving CPI (M) Idukki district secretary.