UDF cabinet formation enters final stage; Chandy Oommen and Ramesh Chennithala in fray

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ahead of the United Democratic Front (UDF) government's swearing-in ceremony on Monday, hectic parleys are underway within the Congress party and its coalition allies to finalise the cabinet composition. In the latest development, legislator Chandy Oommen has emerged as a potential contender for a ministerial berth in the upcoming V.D. Satheesan-led cabinet.

Chandy Oommen fueled speculation after meeting with the Chief Minister-designate at the Cantonment House. Downplaying the political significance of the visit, Chandy Oommen termed it a courtesy call. "It is my duty to congratulate the Chief Minister-designate post-elections. For me, the party comes first. I will remain a committed party worker regardless of whether I am assigned a cabinet portfolio," Oommen told reporters.

Following successful consensus talks within the Congress hierarchy, veteran leader Ramesh Chennithala’s induction into the cabinet has been confirmed. High-level sources indicate that Chennithala is slated to receive the high-profile Home and Vigilance portfolios. The party is also carefully weighing regional and communal equations to balance the cabinet. The primary contenders currently under consideration for ministerial berths include Sunny Joseph, P.C. Vishnunath, K. Muraleedharan, and M. Liju. Meanwhile, Congress leader Bindu Krishna has virtually secured her cabinet berth to ensure adequate representation for the Kollam district.

Navigating coalition dynamics, the Congress leadership has reportedly devised a structural formula for single-MLA allies. According to reports, C.P. John is being considered for a full five-year term, whereas Anoop Jacob and Mani C. Kappan are expected to share a term of two-and-a-half years each.

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second-largest constituent in the UDF, remains steadfast in its demand for five ministerial berths. To resolve the impasse, Congress has countered with a formula offering four cabinet portfolios alongside an additional post carrying cabinet rank. While IUML heavyweight P.K. Kunhalikutty is guaranteed a cabinet position, the party is vetting several prominent names for its remaining slots, including K.M. Shaji, N. Shamsudheen, V.E. Abdul Gafoor, Parakkal Abdulla, and A.K.M. Ashraf.