Ganesh Kumar and his party in doubt whether to accept ministry for only two and a half years

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the bilateral talks held, the CPM has decided to accommodate almost all parties in the Left Front. Four of the single MLA parties have been asked to share two ministerial berths by turns. According to that the Kerala Congress B, Congress S, INL and Janadhipathya Kerala Congress will get cabinet berth. There is no ministerial berth for Lok Tantric Janata Dal. A final picture would be obtained today in the LDF meet convened here today to finalise the cabinet. The Kerala Congress M may be given the post of chief whip which was in the hands of the CPI.

Ramachandran Kadannapally (Congress S), Ahmed Devarkovil (INL) and Antony Raju (Janadhipathya Kerala Congress) will become ministers from the constituent parties. A ministerial berth was expected for K B Ganesh Kumar of the Kerala Congress B. The party is confused as to whether to accept the ministry for two and a half years. Ganesh is of the opinion that time will be over by the time he learns about the department. The final stance will be announced at today's front meeting.

The CPM had earlier proposed the LJD to merge with the two-member Janata Dal (S). In yesterday's bilateral talks, the CPM leadership had informed the LJD leaders that only a portfolio can be given to two socialist groups. Meantime, the LJD has decided not to accept any board and corporation posts if not given a ministerial berth. However, they will not leave the front.

The JD (S) was also informed of a minister as there are three members for the two. When the CPM mentioned about the merger again, the JD (S) leaders responded that despite their initiative, they had not yielded. A berth will be given for them having two members.

The final decision taken is that the CPI will get four ministers and deputy speaker post and the CPM will have 12 ministers and speaker post. The Kerala Congress (M) have again claimed for two cabinet berths but the CPM has reiterated that only one would be given. There was no formal discussion on the chief whip post.

The Kerala Congress (M) wants one of the portfolios of agriculture, public works, housing and revenue. Agriculture, housing and revenue are now in the hands of the CPI. They may not give up. However, the allocation of portfolios was not mentioned in the bilateral talks. It is left to the chief minister to decide.

The Left Front will decide who will hold the first term in turns between the four constituent parties and between which parties.

A cabinet berth is sure for Idukki MLA Roshy Augustine of the Kerala Congress (M). He was elected as the parliamentary party leader yesterday. Dr N Jayaraj was elected deputy leader and if given chief whip post will accept that. The meet was convened by party chairman Jose K Mani.