Next challenge: The cabinet puzzle
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If the race for the Chief Minister’s post saw three strong contenders, the battle for cabinet berths and key portfolios is likely to be even more intense. Indications are that the Congress high command will face immense pressure, including from various group interests within the party. Managing these pressures could become a major challenge for Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan and the UDF.
It is still unclear which ministers will take the oath along with the Chief Minister at Monday’s swearing-in ceremony. It is expected that each major alliance partner will get at least one cabinet berth. However, accommodating smaller constituent parties and Communist independents could make the task even more difficult.
In the 21-member Cabinet, the Congress is naturally expected to get 11 ministerial posts, including the Chief Minister, along with the Speaker’s post. The Indian Union Muslim League is likely to get four ministerial berths, Kerala Congress two, and the remaining parties one each. Differences are expected over the allocation of ministerial posts and portfolios among Congress leaders and alliance partners.
Reports suggest that K C Venugopal, the AICC General Secretary in charge of organisation, who was pushed out of the Chief Minister race at the last moment, has ensured Cabinet positions for his supporters as a condition. It also remains to be seen whether Ramesh Chennithala, who was another strong contender for the CM post, will accept a ministerial berth or insist on positions for his supporters. If that happens, the high command may once again have to step in to resolve disputes. Like the election campaign, Satheesan is believed to have firm views on cabinet formation and portfolio distribution as well.
Among the Congress leaders being considered for ministerial posts are KPCC president Sunny Joseph, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, K Muraleedharan, N Sakthan, P C Vishnunath, Bindu Krishna, M Liju, Chandy Oommen, V T Balram, A P Anil Kumar T Siddique and others. One among them is likely to become Speaker. From the Muslim League, names under consideration include P K Kunhalikutty, P K Basheer, N Shamsudheen, K M Shaji and others.
Kerala Congress is seeking two ministerial posts, though it may eventually settle for one cabinet berth along with either the Deputy Speaker or Chief Whip post. Mons Joseph, Thomas Unniyadan and Apu John Joseph are among those being considered.
RSP leader Shibu Baby John and Kerala Congress (Jacob) leader Anoop Jacob are also likely to become ministers. Leaders such as G Sudhakaran, who reportedly helped the UDF make gains in traditional CPM strongholds, along with C P John, Mani C Kappan and three-time MLA M Vincent, are also being considered for important posts. The Muslim League is particularly interested in the Education, Public Works and Industries portfolios.
Home, Education and Health portfolios in focus There is growing opposition from several quarters against giving the Education portfolio to the Muslim League. If the party is denied Education, it is expected to strongly demand the Health portfolio instead. Satheesan is said to prefer keeping the Health department with the Congress itself. Several senior leaders are interested in the Home portfolio. It remains unclear whether the Chief Minister will retain the department. If Ramesh Chennithala, who is currently unhappy, decides to join the cabinet, he may strongly push for the Home portfolio. Many leaders are also eyeing departments such as Revenue, Finance and Infrastructure Development.
Cabinet talks begin today Discussions on cabinet formation will begin today under the leadership of Deepa Dasmunsi, the AICC General Secretary in charge of Kerala. K C Venugopal is also expected to participate.
During his meeting with the Governor, V D Satheesan reportedly said that the list of ministers to be sworn in on Monday would be submitted later. If discussions are completed within the next two days, the full Cabinet itself is expected to take the oath on Monday.