Question

Regarding the second coalition ministry of EMS Namboothiripad, consider the following statements:

1. The Ministry took office in the year 1966.
2. It consisted of CPI(M), CPI, the Muslim League, the RSP, the Karshaka Thozhilali Party and the Kerala Socialist Party.
3. C.H. Muhammed Koya was the Minister for Education.

• A. None of these
• B. All
• C. ii only
• D. ii, iii

Answer 1

Answer:

D. ii, iii

Second Coalition Ministry

• In the Assembly elections of Kerala held in 1965, no party was able to gain a majority.
• Political parties were not willing to form a coalition and hence the Assembly in 1965 was declared void. From 1965 to 1967, the state was under President’s rule.
• During this time, the CPI (M) had formed the Sapthakakshi Munnani (a coalition of seven parties). There were only 134 legislators at that time in the Assembly". 
• It consisted of CPI(M), CPI, the Muslim League, the RSP, the Karshaka Thozhilali Party,Kerala Socialist Party and the Indian Socialist Party (ISP)
• The coalition won 117 (including 4 Independents) out of the 133 seats.
• EMS was sworn in as the Chief Minister for the second time on March 6, 1967.
• For the first time in 1967 when the Sapthakakshi Munnani ruled Kerala, Muslim League members became ministers in a Kerala cabinet viz. CH Mohammad Koya (Education) and MPM Ahmed Kurikkal (Panchayat, Fisheries).