Kerala Cabinet talks intensify as Satheesan set to form Government
Political discussions over cabinet formation in Kerala intensified as Chief Minister-designate V. D. Satheesan continued consultations with Congress and United Democratic Front (UDF) leaders ahead of the new government’s swearing-in ceremony.
The Congress-led UDF is expected to finalise key decisions regarding ministerial berths and portfolio allocation during a leadership meeting in Thiruvananthapuram.
Amid speculation over cabinet representation from Ernakulam, Satheesan asserted that his government would take a firm stand against communal polarisation and protect Kerala’s secular values. He also defended the role of the Indian Union Muslim League within the UDF, calling attempts to portray the party as non-secular a “hate campaign”.
Meanwhile, K. C. Venugopal said differences within the Congress over the Chief Minister selection, including concerns raised by senior leader Ramesh Chennithala, would be resolved smoothly.
Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said Satheesan personally invited him to the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for May 18 and confirmed that BJP and NDA leaders would attend the event.
KPCC president Sunny Joseph also said discussions over ministerial berths were progressing satisfactorily and claimed internal differences within the party had been settled.
The Indian Union Muslim League is reportedly seeking five cabinet berths in the new government, though party leaders said no formal demand has been made before the UDF leadership.
