Chief Minister-designate V. D. Satheesan structures a 21-member team with key portfolio allocations resolved ahead of Monday’s swearing-in ceremony.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The final composition of the incoming United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala has taken definitive shape following intensive, high-level deliberations spearheaded by the Congress leadership. The final list of the 21-member Cabinet is scheduled to be submitted to Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar by 2:00 PM today. Chief Minister-designate V. D. Satheesan has confirmed that the entire Council of Ministers will take the oath of office alongside him during the swearing-in ceremony on Monday, May 18.
The breakthrough in Cabinet formation followed multiple rounds of consensus-building negotiations within the Congress party and with its key UDF coalition partners. The structural layout of the ministry was finalized under the direct oversight of All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Deepa Dasmunsi.
Portfolio Allotment and Congress Internal Consensus
A major point of discussion within the Congress leadership concluded with senior leader Ramesh Chennithala accepting the Home and Vigilance portfolios. Chennithala, who was a prominent contender for the chief ministerial post, had initially expressed reservations regarding the administrative arrangements. Sources indicate that the impasse over the Home portfolio was successfully resolved on Friday. However, the Chennithala faction continues to advocate for adequate representation of its loyalists within both the state Cabinet and the organizational structure of the party, with reports highlighting strong backing for Aluva MLA Anwar Sadath.
With the crucial Home portfolio assigned to Chennithala, Chief Minister-designate V. D. Satheesan is expected to retain the Finance portfolio. This alignment reflects Satheesan’s extensive legislative focus on fiscal management and state economy during his tenure as the Leader of the Opposition.
The Congress party will hold 11 ministerial berths, including the Chief Minister’s position. The selection process required a careful balancing of internal party dynamics, as groups aligned with both Ramesh Chennithala and AICC General Secretary K. C. Venugopal sought fair representation for their respective nominees.
Key Inductions and Group Dynamics
Senior legislators including K. Muraleedharan, Sunny Joseph, and Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan are highly likely to secure Cabinet berths. While there is significant internal pressure on Radhakrishnan to assume the role of the Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, a definitive decision remains pending. Additionally, KPCC Working Presidents A. P. Anil Kumar and P. C. Vishnunath—both key figures associated with the Venugopal camp—are expected to join the treasury benches.
In line with Satheesan’s stated objective to project a modern and inclusive governance face, the new Cabinet will feature enhanced representation for women and youth. Senior Congress leaders Bindu Krishna and Shanimol Usman have been confirmed as the two women ministers in the new administration. Consequently, the inclusion of Puthuppally MLA Chandy Oommen appears unlikely at this stage, as the leadership prioritized gender diversity and senior accommodate-ments within the limited Congress quota.
Coalition Partners and Portfolio Distribution
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second-largest constituent in the UDF alliance with 22 assembly seats, has been allocated five Cabinet portfolios. IUML National General Secretary P. K. Kunhalikutty will return to the state cabinet to lead the party’s ministerial team. Kunhalikutty is projected to handle the heavy-profile Industries and Information Technology (IT) portfolios. The remaining nominees under active consideration by the IUML leadership include:
- K. M. Shaji
- N. Shamsudheen
- Parakkal Abdulla
- V. E. Abdul Gafoor
- P. K. Basheer
Apart from Industries and IT, the portfolios designated for the IUML include Education, Public Works, Local Self-Government, and Urban Affairs.
Other alliance partners have also successfully negotiated their administrative representation. The Kerala Congress faction led by P. J. Joseph has requested two ministerial berths. Shibu Baby John of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) indicated that preliminary discussions with the Congress high command concluded on a positive note, emphasizing that the party would not remain rigid on specific portfolio demands. Furthermore, the Communist Marxist Party’s (CMP) sole MLA, C. P. John, is scheduled to be accommodated within the 21-member ministry.
In a separate political development, former CPM leader G. Sudhakaran stated on Saturday that he would neither actively lobby for nor reject a cabinet position if an official offer were extended by the incoming administration.
Organizational Shifts and Upcoming Legislative Timeline
The internal realignment has triggered corresponding changes within the party’s organizational framework. The Chennithala camp is reportedly lobbying for the appointment of Joseph Vazhakkan as the next Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President. Vazhakkan had previously been denied an election ticket from the Ettumanoor constituency. The incumbent KPCC Chief, Sunny Joseph, who secured a victory from the Peravur constituency, is transitioning into administration as a Cabinet Minister.
According to the official schedule released by the state administration, the swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) is tentatively slated for May 21. This will be followed by the formal election to choose the new Speaker of the House on May 22.
