Thiruvananthapuram, 16 May (H.S.):The Congress leadership will hold bilateral discussions with United Democratic Front (UDF) allies on Friday to finalise the formation of the new Kerala cabinet following the alliance’s emphatic victory in the Assembly elections. The talks, scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., are expected to focus on the allocation of ministerial berths, portfolios and power-sharing arrangements among coalition partners.

With V D Satheesan set to assume office as Chief Minister, significant changes are likely in both the number of ministers allotted to parties and the traditional departments handled by alliance partners in previous UDF governments. Congress is expected to secure 12 ministerial positions, including the Chief Minister’s post, with indications that the party could even receive one additional berth depending on the final negotiations.

Smaller allies are likely to be accommodated with one minister each. The Revolutionary Marxist Party (RMP), however, is not expected to press for a cabinet berth. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second-largest constituent in the alliance, is likely to receive five ministerial positions. Another proposal under consideration is to allot the party four cabinet berths along with Cabinet rank status for another representative.

The IUML parliamentary party meeting scheduled for Friday is expected to finalise the party’s ministerial nominees. Senior leader P K Kunhalikutty is widely tipped for a cabinet berth along with K M Shaji, N Shamsudheen and P K Basheer. The final decision on portfolios will be taken after bilateral discussions with the Congress leadership.

Meanwhile, Kerala Congress (Joseph faction) is expected to reiterate its demand for two ministerial berths during talks scheduled at 10 a.m. Party leaders, however, have indicated that they do not want to create a crisis within the alliance over the issue. Current indications suggest that the party may settle for one cabinet berth along with the post of Chief Whip.

Among Congress leaders being considered for the cabinet are Ramesh Chennithala, Sunny Joseph, K Muraleedharan, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, N Sakthan, A P Anil Kumar, P C Vishnunath, Shanimol Usman, M Liju, Bindu Krishna, T Siddique and V P Sajeendran. One among them is also expected to be chosen as Speaker, while another may become Deputy Speaker.

Other leaders being considered include V T Balram, Mathew Kuzhalnadan, Anwar Sadath, Jyothikumar Chamakkala, K Jayant and M Vincent. Among allies, probable names include Mons Joseph, Anoop Jacob, Shibu Baby John, C P John and Mani C Kappan.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman