Fri Dec 20 16:04:29 UTC 2024: ## Kerala Forests Minister Willing to Resign to Maintain NCP-SP Cabinet Seat

**Thiruvananthapuram, December 20, 2024** – Kerala Forests Minister A.K. Saseendran of the Nationalist Congress Party-Socialist Party (NCP-SP) has stated his willingness to resign if his party requires another representative in the State Cabinet. While acknowledging discussions with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding a potential replacement, Saseendran expressed concern that removing him would leave the NCP-SP without ministerial representation. He also accused his party president, P.C. Chacko, of actively working against him despite knowing the Chief Minister’s reservations.

The conflict stems from fellow NCP-SP legislator Thomas K. Thomas’s claim to the ministerial post. Saseendran emphasized his two key priorities: maintaining NCP-SP representation in the cabinet and ensuring the party’s continued alliance with the Left front.

CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan stated he had not received any communication from the party’s central leadership regarding discussions between CPI(M) leader Prakash Karat and NCP-SP leader Sharad Pawar. Govindan stressed the importance of the party’s ideology over individual decisions, highlighting the NCP-SP’s long-standing alliance with the Left front. The situation remains fluid, with the future of Saseendran’s ministerial position pending further negotiations between the involved parties.

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