Cabinet formation: Muraleedharan to handle Health portfolio; Sunny Joseph may get Revenue, final list to be handed over to Governor this afternoon

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Discussions related to the formation of the new cabinet in Kerala have reached the final stage. Sources said a clear picture regarding the ministers is expected to emerge by around 2 PM today. The final list of ministers will be handed over to the Governor later in the day. While decisions regarding ministerial positions for alliance partners are almost complete, final discussions are still underway within the Congress over its official list. Vattiyoorkavu MLA K. Muraleedharan is likely to handle the Health Department, while KPCC president Sunny Joseph is expected to take charge of the Revenue Department.

Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, who was earlier considered for a ministerial post, is now likely to become the new Speaker of the Assembly. Shanimol Usman, who was expected to represent women in the cabinet, is currently being considered for the post of Deputy Speaker. There was already an agreement yesterday to allot five ministerial posts to the Muslim League. Party leaders, including P. K. Kunhalikutty, are presently at Panakkad Hall in Nandavanam and are expected to reach the KPCC office during the official announcement.

The Kerala Congress, which performed strongly in the elections, had strongly demanded two ministerial posts. However, the Congress leadership reportedly convinced the party by pointing to district and community considerations, along with Congress’s own seat strength of 63 MLAs.

As per the new understanding, Kerala Congress will receive one ministerial berth and one Chief Whip post. Mons Joseph is likely to become a minister. Although he has requested both the Water Resources and Agriculture portfolios, sources say it is unlikely that he will be given two major departments together. For the Chief Whip position, the names of Thomas Unniyadan and Apu John Joseph are under consideration. Small protests were reportedly held in support of Unniyadan near the MLA Hostel.

There was also dissatisfaction from Anoop Jacob and Mani C. Kappan over the arrangement to share a ministerial post on a rotational basis of two-and-a-half years each. However, Congress leaders reportedly convinced them that there was no other practical option under the current circumstances. According to the agreement, Anoop Jacob will serve as minister for the first two-and-a-half years, followed by Mani C. Kappan for the remaining term.

There is no dispute regarding a ministerial berth for the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP). Shibu Baby John has reportedly sought the Water Resources Department. If that portfolio is given to Mons Joseph, Shibu Baby John is expected to receive another important department. The Communist Marxist Party (CMP) is expected to receive a full five-year ministerial term. Departments, including Cooperation, are reportedly being considered for the party. Most of the key portfolios are likely to remain with Congress.