Thiruvananthapuram: The CPI, the second biggest ally of the ruling Left Democratic Front, on Tuesday sprang a surprise when it named J.Chinchurani, a senior woman leader from the party, to become a state cabinet minister.

Incidentally after the Communist party split in 1964, this is the first time that the CPI has a lady cabinet minister.

The CPI also named K.Rajan, P.Prasad and G.R.Anil as the other three state ministers, said CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran.

Barring Rajan, who was a member of the outgoing assembly, all the other three are first-time legislators.

Anil’s wife Latha Devi was a legislator a few terms ago.

Rajendran said the portfolio for the ministers is the prerogative of the chief minister and it will be known after the swearing-in ceremony takes place on Thursday.