Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who had reportedly been upset after V. D. Satheesan was chosen by the Congress high command for the Chief Minister’s post, is now set to join the new Kerala cabinet with the crucial Home and Vigilance portfolios.
The Congress high command has reportedly directed Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan to induct Chennithala into the upcoming Kerala cabinet with the high-profile portfolios. The intervention came amid reports that Chennithala might refuse to join the ministry.
According to party sources, the central leadership stepped in to placate the senior leader and prevent a major factional rift within the Congress in Kerala.
The move is seen as a strategic attempt to ease internal tensions after Chennithala openly expressed dissatisfaction over being overlooked for the Chief Minister’s post despite his seniority in the party.
By assigning him the powerful Home and Vigilance portfolios, the leadership is effectively positioning him as the clear number two in the government.
Chennithala had initially skipped key party meetings and the joint press conference where Satheesan’s name was officially announced. His supporters had also publicly protested against the decision of the Indian National Congress leadership, exposing internal divisions within the party.
The Congress is expected to have 11 ministers, including the Chief Minister, in the 21-member V.D. Satheesan cabinet.
Apart from Chennithala, Sunny Joseph, K. Muraleedharan, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, KPCC working presidents A. P. Anil Kumar and P. C. Vishnunath are expected to be inducted into the cabinet. M. Liju is also under consideration.
Among women leaders, Kollam MLA Bindu Krishna or Satheesan loyalist Shanimol Usman may find a place in the ministry.
To maintain communal balance, either Mathew Kuzhalnadan or Roji M. John is likely to be given a ministerial berth.
Chandy Oommen, son of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, is also reportedly being considered for inclusion in the cabinet.
Meanwhile, coalition partner Indian Union Muslim League is pressing for five cabinet berths as negotiations within the United Democratic Front (UDF) continue.
The full 21-member UDF cabinet headed by V.D. Satheesan is scheduled to take oath on Monday.