VD Satheesan announces Kerala Cabinet

Kerala Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan on Sunday announced his ministerial team ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the new Government in the State. Satheesan said the list of ministers had been finalised after discussions among alliance leaders, taking into account social and regional balance within the coalition.

Satheesan said many deserving leaders could not be accommodated in the Cabinet despite the Congress securing 63 seats, describing it as one of the party’s biggest victories in the State. “There are many deserving leaders both within and outside the list. But the party has to consider social balance, regional representation and other factors while taking such decisions,” he said.

Senior leaders Ramesh Chennithala, K Muraleedharan and Sunny Joseph would be inducted as ministers.

The UDF also decided to appoint senior legislator Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan as Speaker of the Assembly, while Shanimol Usman will serve as Deputy Speaker.

He added that discussions on the allocation of portfolios among coalition partners were almost complete, with only minor corrections remaining.

The final list would be formally submitted to the Governor and later notified through an official gazette following approval.