Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his cabinet ministers were also present on the occasion. Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan and veteran IUML MLA P.K. Kunhalikutty also participated.

Kelu, 53, a two-time MLA representing the Mananthavady constituency, got the opportunity when outgoing SC/ST minister K Radhakrishnan resigned after being elected to the Lok Sabha from Alathur Lok Sabha constituency in Palakkad district. However, the portfolios of Devaswom and Parliamentary Affairs which were held by Radhakrishnan were transferred to V.N. Has been given to. Vasavan and M.B. Rajesh and this had invited criticism from Congress and BJP leaders respectively.

In 2016 and 2021, Kelu defeated Congress leader P.K. Jayalakshmi, former minister in the Oommen Chandy cabinet (2011–16).

Kelu is a popular leader and has not yet tasted defeat in any election from the grassroots level. His father, who witnessed the swearing-in ceremony, said he wished his son, who has been in public life for a long time, all the best and wished he could do good for all.

People burst crackers to celebrate his promotion in Kelu's home town, in the hill district of Wayanad.