Thiruvananthapuram, 15 May (H.S.):With V.D. Satheesan officially chosen as the next Chief Minister of Kerala, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has moved into the next crucial phase — the formation of the new cabinet. Formal discussions among alliance partners are scheduled to begin on Friday, with hectic negotiations expected over ministerial positions and the allocation of major portfolios.
Sources within the UDF said the Congress is likely to secure 11 cabinet berths along with the Speaker’s post in the new Assembly. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which emerged as one of the strongest performers in the election, is pushing for five ministerial positions in the incoming government. The Kerala Congress has also reportedly demanded two cabinet berths as coalition talks intensify.
Smaller alliance partners are also expected to receive representation in the ministry. Kerala Congress (Jacob) leader Anoop Jacob and CMP leader C.P. John are among those likely to be accommodated in the cabinet as the UDF leadership attempts to maintain political and regional balance.
At the same time, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala continues to remain unhappy after missing out on the Chief Minister’s post. Congress leaders are actively trying to persuade him to join the cabinet by offering him one of the most important portfolios in the government.
The faction led by AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal, which also lost the race for the Chief Minister’s post, is now seeking a stronger presence in the ministry by securing more cabinet positions. Congress leaders are understood to have proposed a formula of one minister for every five MLAs in the party.
Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan has reportedly requested K.C. Venugopal to come to Kerala and oversee the cabinet formation talks. AICC Kerala in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi is also expected to participate in the discussions.
Within the Muslim League, senior leader P.K. Kunhalikutty is almost certain to return to the cabinet. K.M. Shaji, P.K. Basheer and N. Shamsudheen are also among the frontrunners for ministerial positions. If the IUML secures a fifth berth, Kasaragod leader A.K.M. Ashraf could also be considered for inclusion in the ministry.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
