UDF cabinet: Ezhava community allocated just two ministerial berths despite nine MLAs

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The social equations within the newly forming United Democratic Front (UDF) cabinet have sparked intense debate, following the allocation of just two ministerial berths to the Ezhava community, which accounts for a substantial 27 percent of the state's population. Despite the Congress party fielding 17 candidates from the community and securing victories in nine segments, critics argue that the community has been severely shortchanged. Proportionate to its demographic strength, the Ezhava community is eligible for at least four cabinet positions, making the current allocation of two berths appear to be a deliberate sidelining.

Currently, Bindu Krishna from Kollam and M. Liju from Kayamkulam are the frontrunners for the designated ministerial slots. The downsizing of the community's representation does not come as a surprise, as Kerala Kaumudi had previously reported on May 9 about internal manoeuvres to slash the Ezhava quota in the cabinet. While a strong demand was raised to include a third minister—with K. Jayanth and Sumesh Achuthan being considered for the spot—party leadership failed to reach a final consensus.

Insiders allege that the Congress leadership succumbed to aggressive lobbying from powerful Christian and Muslim community outfits, leading to the marginalisation of Ezhava leaders. This decision comes despite a strong electoral performance by the community's candidates, including stunning upset victories in traditional Left strongholds, such as Vidya Balakrishnan's win in Elathur and Senapathy Venu's triumph in Udumbanchola. Other successful legislators from the community include Deepak Joy, Nattakom Suresh, O. J. Janeesh, and Sumesh Achuthan.

A historical review of Kerala’s political landscape between 1991 and 2021 reveals that both the UDF and LDF have traditionally maintained a minimum of four Ezhava ministers in their cabinets to balance community interests. The only other exception in the last 30 years occurred during the 2011 Oommen Chandy-led UDF administration, which also drew flak for reducing Ezhava representation to two. The current composition is expected to invite further political fallout as community organisations intensify their pressure on the coalition leadership.