UDF finalizes Kerala’s 21-member cabinet, VD Satheesan will take oath as Chief Minister on Monday

Thiruvananthapuram, May 17. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has finalized the formation of the new 21-member Kerala Council of Ministers. Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan will take oath on Monday. Earlier, the marathon discussion held on Sunday regarding division of departments, political representation and power sharing has reached its final stage.

The final list of ministers is likely to be submitted to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar today itself. Mr Satheesan will take oath along with all 20 ministers at a single ceremony on May 18. This will formally mark the return of the UDF to power after the assembly elections. After days of hectic deliberations and secret talks, the alliance leadership held several important meetings in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.

The purpose of these meetings was to resolve the issues of allocation of ministerial posts, division of portfolios and representation among the alliance partners. According to the formula being revealed, the cabinet will include 11 ministers (from Congress) and five from IUML, while the remaining posts will go to Kerala Congress factions and other allies (RSP, KC-J, KC-I, RMP and CMP).

The Congress is also expected to retain the post of Assembly Speaker, while the Kerala Congress is likely to get the post of Deputy Speaker along with the post of Chief Whip. It has also been agreed to join Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala in the cabinet. He will be given Home and Vigilance department. There has been no official confirmation, but indications are that Mr Chennithala’s old demand for the Home Department has been accepted as part of efforts to resolve internal differences within the Congress.

The cabinet is likely to include a woman MLA, a Dalit representative, a Latin Catholic leader and the son of a former chief minister. This reflects the UDF’s attempt to create a broader social balance. The name of IC Balakrishnan is also being discussed seriously. With the talks reaching the final stage, the UDF leadership is likely to announce the final list of the cabinet late on Sunday evening after getting approval from the Congress high command in New Delhi.