Satheesan first legislator from Ernakulam to become CM

Kochi: It is for the first time that a legislator from Ernakulam becomes chief minister of Kerala. With a chief minister who has greater understanding of the issues and potentials of the district, which contributes to at least 40% of revenue to state exchequer, expectations are high about development of Ernakulam and central Kerala.Though Perumbavoor native P K Vasudevan Nair was the CM during 1978-79, he represented Alappuzha as its MLA. K Karunakaran and C Achutha Menon were the chief ministers who represented erstwhile Cochin state. "Satheesan was born and brought up at Nettoor in Ernakulam. Later, he shifted his area of functioning to North Paravur when he contested in assembly elections from there in 1996," said A Jayashankar, political observer.Being a major contributor to state exchequer, Ernakulam district needs more govt institutions in health, education and cultural sectors. Demand for increasing share of budgetary allocations for the district has been there for a long time. Many projects, including the one to address water scarcity in Kochi and adjoining areas, are yet to be implemented. "Satheesan is a leader who better knows the issues and potentials of the district. So, we expect that he will be able to take steps to resolve long-standing issues," T J Vinod, MLA, said.