Kelu, 53, got this opportunity after the resignation of sitting SC/ST minister K Radhakrishnan after being elected to the Lok Sabha from Alathur Lok Sabha constituency in Palakkad district.
Kelu belongs to the Scheduled Tribe community and has been a two-time MLA. In 2016 and 2021, she defeated Congress leader PK Jayalakshmi, who was the Minister of State for SC/ST in the Oommen Chandy cabinet in 2011–16.
Kelu is a popular leader and has not yet tasted defeat in any election from the grassroots level.
“I am happy to get this post and my aim will be to solve the burning issues faced by Wayanad, including man-animal conflict and better infrastructure facilities in my district. Health and education sectors will also get priority for the upliftment of the tribal community,” Kelu said.
However, the Devaswom and Parliamentary Affairs portfolios which were held by Radhakrishnan have been given to VN Vasavan and MB Rajesh respectively.
Kelu belongs to the Scheduled Tribe community and has been a two-time MLA. In 2016 and 2021, she defeated Congress leader PK Jayalakshmi, who was the Minister of State for SC/ST in the Oommen Chandy cabinet in 2011–16.
Kelu is a popular leader and has not yet tasted defeat in any election from the grassroots level.
“I am happy to get this post and my aim will be to solve the burning issues faced by Wayanad, including man-animal conflict and better infrastructure facilities in my district. Health and education sectors will also get priority for the upliftment of the tribal community,” Kelu said.
However, the Devaswom and Parliamentary Affairs portfolios which were held by Radhakrishnan have been given to VN Vasavan and MB Rajesh respectively.