Within weeks after returning to power in Kerala, major disagreements have emerged in the ruling Congress-led UDF over allocation of certain departments to alliance partners. This has ultimately led to delay in the announcement of ministerial portfolios in the newly sworn in VD Satheesan-led cabinet, according to a senior party leader.
Congress leader K Muraleedharan on Tuesday, May 19, said there were differences in the UDF regarding who should get the Fisheries and Higher Education portfolios, but assured that such issues are expected to be resolved soon.
“The notification of the portfolios of the ministers will be announced by evening. The delay is due to possibility of changes in the portfolios of some ministers. There are arguments over the Higher Education and Fisheries department,” PTI quoted Muraleedharan as saying.
He added, “They will be resolved soon and the notification will be issued in the evening”.
Further, Muraleedharan shared that some “rearrangements” are being made within the party to resolve the concerns related to the alliance partners.
Notably, the name of the chief minister in Kerala was announced more than 10 days after the declaration of the 2026 Assembly election results.
Satheesan took oath as the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala at the Central Stadium on Monday morning, marking the return of Congress-led UDF government to power after a gap of 10 years. The last UDF government in Kerala was headed by late former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who took oath in 2011.
Veteran IUML leader PK Kunhalikutty was the second to take the oath, followed by Congress leaders Ramesh Chennithala and Sunny Joseph.
The 21-member ministry includes 12 ministers from the Congress, five from the IUML and one each from Kerala Congress, Kerala Congress (Jacob), CMP and RSP.