Final cabinet talks wrap up as UDF set to take oath tomorrow
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Thiruvananthapuram: Final talks on cabinet formation are underway in Kerala as the UDF prepares to take oath on Monday under Chief Minister designate V.D. Satheesan.
The last round of discussions among alliance partners and party leaders is expected to conclude on Sunday, with the final list of ministers likely to be submitted to the Governor around 2 p.m. Congress in charge Deepa Dasmunshi said consultations were progressing and a decision on the ministry’s composition was anticipated later in the day.
The incoming administration will have a 21 member cabinet, including the chief minister. Political sources indicated Congress is poised to claim 11 portfolios, including the chief minister’s post, with several names said to be near finalisation: Ramesh Chennithala (likely Home), Sunny Joseph, K. Muraleedharan, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, A.P. Anil Kumar, P.C. Vishnunath, M. Liju, Chandy Oommen and Bindu Krishna. Satheesan is believed to retain the crucial Finance portfolio, sources added.
Coalition partner Indian Union Muslim League is expected to take five ministries, with P.K. Kunhalikutty, K.M. Shaji, N. Shamsuddeen and Parakkal Abdulla among frontrunners. Reports said internal disagreements persist over the possible inclusion of P.K. Basheer.
Portfolios will be allocated after the cabinet list receives formal approval. The final composition, once confirmed, will clarify the UDF’s power sharing arrangement ahead of Monday’s swearing in.
(Inputs from IANS)