Thiruvananthapuram, 13 August (H.S.):The Kerala Cabinet is expected to examine the Sports Department's inquiry report into the controversy surrounding Lionel Messi's proposed visit to the State at its meeting on Thursday. The government may order a further investigation after reviewing the findings.
The report reportedly states that procedural rules were followed during the initial stages of the initiative. However, it rejects the claim that the episode caused no financial loss to the government and points to the alleged misuse of government machinery in facilitating related transactions.
The Cabinet is also likely to consider granting cabinet-rank positions to senior leaders of the ruling United Democratic Front's constituent parties.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is reportedly considering M.K. Muneer, P.J. Joseph, G. Devarajan and MLA Mani C. Kappan for such positions. Muneer and Joseph are considered the leading contenders because of their seniority and prominence within major coalition partners.
The Indian Union Muslim League has sought the post of chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission for Muneer. The Kerala Congress, however, maintains that Joseph should receive the first appointment as the senior-most among the constituent-party leaders.
If the Administrative Reforms Commission post is allotted to the Muslim League, Joseph may be considered for a position in a commission dealing with senior citizens' welfare or agriculture. Kappan has sought the post of Norka vice-chairman.
The leaders argue that they should be given cabinet-rank responsibilities since they were not accommodated in the Council of Ministers.
Kappan has also claimed that the UDF had agreed to appoint him as a minister in place of Anoop Jacob after two-and-a-half years. Jacob, however, has rejected the claim.
The Chief Minister is expected to consult coalition leaders before making a final decision. Any appointments will be announced after receiving the Cabinet's approval. The previous LDF government had granted cabinet-rank positions to two political leaders.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
