Cabinet picture to become clear today; portfolio changes for coalition partners, Ramesh Chennithala eyes Home Dept

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The picture of the new ministers in the UDF government led by V. D. Satheesan is expected to become clearer on Saturday, with discussions continuing over Cabinet positions and portfolio allocation among coalition partners.

There are strong indications that senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala may become a minister. However, he did not attend the UDF meeting held on Friday.

AICC General Secretary K. C. Venugopal has arrived in Thiruvananthapuram for discussions. The full Cabinet is expected to take oath on Monday. The government is planning to present its first Budget on June 5, while the Governor’s policy address is scheduled for May 29.

The Congress party is expected to get 11 ministerial posts, including the Chief Minister’s position, along with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker posts. Final discussions with alliance partners will be held today before announcing the Cabinet.

The Muslim League may receive five ministerial posts. Alternatively, the party could be given four ministerial posts along with the Deputy Speaker position.

RSP, CMP, Kerala Congress (Jacob) and KDP are likely to get one ministerial berth each. The Joseph faction of Kerala Congress has reportedly demanded two ministerial positions, but may instead receive one ministerial berth and the Chief Whip post.

Sources said Chennithala has placed certain conditions for joining the ministry and may seek the Home portfolio. However, the Chief Minister-designate is believed to prefer giving him the Finance portfolio. There is uncertainty over whether Chennithala will join the Cabinet if he is not given the Home Department. Congress observer Deepa Dasmunsi reportedly held discussions with Chennithala. Further talks are expected after Satheesan returns from Kochi on Saturday morning.

Several new faces likely in Congress list
Apart from Chennithala, leaders likely to be considered for ministerial posts include Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, K. Muraleedharan, N.Sakthan, P. C. Vishnunath, Bindu Krishna, M. Liju, Shanimol Usman, Chandy Oommen, T.J. Vinod, Mathew Kuzhalnadan, A.P. Anilkumar, Senapathy Venu, Sumesh Achuthan, T. Siddique, I.C. Balakrishnan, K. Praveenkumar, and K. Jayanth.

League's likely faces
From the Muslim League, P. K. Kunhalikutty, N. Shamsudheen and P. K. Basheer are almost certain to become ministers. K. M. Shaji is also being considered. Although there is a demand to include Abid Hussain Thangal from the Thangal family, sources said the chances are low due to concerns over excessive representation from Malappuram district.

If the League gets a fifth ministerial berth or the Deputy Speaker post, leaders like Razak Master from Kozhikode and A.K.M. Ashraf from Kasaragod may also get an opportunity.

Satheesan says no to new official car
Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan has reportedly told officials that he does not want a new official car. He said political leaders should set examples and avoid unnecessary luxury and extravagance.

Satheesan also informed the DGP that only a police pilot vehicle would be enough and that public inconvenience during the Chief Minister’s travel should be avoided. However, police officials reportedly told him that an escort vehicle may still be necessary.

Vijay among leaders invited for swearing-in ceremony
The swearing-in ceremony will be held at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram at 10 am on Monday. Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled Karnataka, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh have been invited for the event. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay will also attend the ceremony. Invitations have been sent by the Chief Secretary. Senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mallikarjun Kharge and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, are also expected to attend.