Thiruvananthapuram, 18 May (H.S.): Two women legislators — K A Thulasi, 53, and Bindhu Krishna, 54 — who registered maiden victories in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections have emerged among the notable faces in Chief Minister V D Satheesan’s cabinet, with both being rewarded with ministerial positions in the newly formed UDF government.

Their induction is being seen as a move balancing regional representation, social equations and women's participation in the ministry, while also rewarding leaders who have built strong grassroots connections within the Congress-led alliance.

Bindhu Krishna, who has long been one of the most visible Congress leaders in Kollam district, secured victory from Kollam by defeating CPM candidate S Jayamohan by a margin of 16,830 votes. Her victory came after a setback in the 2021 election, when she lost to CPM leader M Mukesh.

Over the years, Bindhu Krishna had become one of the prominent public faces of Congress-led agitations and protests against the Left government in the district. Her active role in organisational activities, social work and public campaigns had strengthened her profile within the party. Sources in the UDF said her name had figured prominently in cabinet discussions from the beginning.

Political observers note that multiple factors worked in her favour, including the need for representation from Kollam district and broader community considerations. Party leaders were also believed to have taken into account her ability to connect with people at the grassroots level and the role she played in strengthening the UDF's presence in Kollam, a region traditionally considered a Left stronghold.

K A Thulasi's induction, meanwhile, is viewed as a significant political breakthrough. The KPCC General Secretary and Head of the Department of History at NSS College, Nenmara, scripted history in Kongad, a constituency that had consistently elected Left candidates since its formation in 2011.

She defeated CPM candidate K Santhakumari by 3,706 votes in the 2026 Assembly election. Though Thulasi was not initially considered among the front-runners for a cabinet berth, demands for stronger Scheduled Caste and women's representation reportedly strengthened her case.

Her inclusion is also seen as recognition of her long political journey, which included contesting the 2004 Lok Sabha election from Ottapalam.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman