Corruption, need for change defeated Congress in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: The Oommen Chandy ministry is on the way out, thanks to corruption scandals involving ministers and voters’ keen desire for a change of government every five years. Among prominent losers is Speaker N Sakthan, Labour Minister Shibu Baby John, Agriculture Minister KP Mohanan, Backward Communities Welfare Minister PK Jayalakshmi and Reporter channel head MV Nikesh Kumar. There are two contenders- politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan, a hot favourite with party men, and Opposition leader VS Achuthanandan, the star campaigner. Party general secretary Sitaram Yechury and other politburo members in charge of Kerala, are arriving in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday for crucial discussions with State leaders.