Thiruvananthapuram, May 17:
After marathon rounds of discussions and intense negotiations, the cabinet formation exercise of the incoming V.D. Satheesan government in Kerala has reportedly reached its final stage, with political sources indicating that broad consensus has now been achieved on the composition of the new ministry.Although differences had persisted over a few ministerial positions until the final hours, last-minute discussions are understood to have resolved most contentious issues. Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan on Sunday submitted the list of ministers to the Governor at Lok Bhavan before leaving the Raj Bhavan complex. The swearing-in ceremony of the new ministry is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. on Monday.
Among the biggest surprises in the cabinet list are reported inclusions of Kalpetta MLA T. Siddique and Youth Congress president O.J. Janish. Sources said Siddique’s induction gained momentum due to considerations surrounding Muslim representation within the Congress and the demand for ministerial representation from Wayanad district.
Portfolio allocations are also believed to have been broadly finalised. V.D. Satheesan is expected to retain the Finance, Ports and Law portfolios. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, considered the second most influential member in the ministry, is likely to handle the Home and Vigilance departments.
KPCC president Sunny Joseph is expected to be given charge of the Revenue department, while senior leader K. Muraleedharan may receive the Electricity portfolio. A.P. Anil Kumar is likely to oversee Health, and P.C. Vishnunath is expected to handle Tourism and Cultural Affairs.
Bindu Krishna, who is set to be the woman representative in the Congress quota, is likely to manage the Women and Child Welfare department. O.J. Janish may be entrusted with Youth Welfare, while T. Siddique is expected to take charge of the Forest department.
Among alliance partners, CMP leader C.P. John is likely to receive the Cooperation portfolio, while Kerala Congress leader Mons Joseph may be assigned Water Resources.
For the Indian Union Muslim League, sources suggest that the party could retain portfolios similar to those held in the 2011 UDF government, though Higher Education may be shifted to the Congress. P.K. Kunhalikutty, K.M. Shaji, N. Shamsudheen, P.K. Basheer and V.E. Abdul Gafoor are among the names expected to represent the League in the ministry.
