Kerala UDF Cabinet Portfolios Finalised Amid Delays
Thiruvananthapuram: The full cabinet led by Chief Minister V D Satheesan was sworn in on Monday, but the official notification allocating portfolios and business among ministers is yet to be issued. Reliable sources indicate that the notification has been delayed due to last-minute demands and ongoing internal negotiations within the coalition.
In the new United Democratic Front (UDF) government, portfolios of several senior ministers, including that of the chief minister, have largely been finalised. However, clarity is still awaited for a few others. Sources reveal that Satheesan is set to retain key departments such as general administration, finance, ports, law, and information and public relations.
Key Portfolio Allocations
Senior Congress functionary Ramesh Chennithala is learned to have been allocated the crucial home and vigilance departments. T Siddique is likely to handle agriculture, while O J Janeesh is expected to get sports and youth affairs. Initially, there was speculation that A P Anil Kumar would receive the health portfolio, but sources now indicate that the department is likely to go to K Muraleedharan. Kumar is instead expected to head the power department.
P C Vishnunadh is likely to become minister for cultural affairs, cinema, and cooperation. KPCC president Sunny Joseph is expected to be given the revenue department, while Roji M John is likely to handle higher education. K A Thulasi is expected to be assigned SC/ST welfare, and Bindu Krishna is likely to get women and child development along with social justice. M Liju is likely to handle the excise department.
Coalition Partners' Portfolios
Portfolio allocation for ministers from coalition partners has yet to be formally announced in full. IUML leader P K Kunhalikutty is learned to have been allocated industries and IT, while K M Shaji is likely to get the local self-government department. N Shamsudheen is expected to handle general education.
Anoop Jacob is expected to handle food and civil supplies. Sources further indicated that C P John is likely to become transport minister, while Kerala Congress leader Mons Joseph is expected to be given water resources.
The delay in the final notification underscores the complexities of coalition politics, with negotiations continuing to address the demands of various allies. The official announcement is expected once all internal issues are resolved.
