Cabinet talks heat up in Kerala; Congress eyes Home, Finance; plan to give Health to League

New Delhi: The Congress leadership will soon begin discussions with its allies regarding the formation of the state cabinet. Talks will also cover the allocation and possible reshuffling of key portfolios among coalition partners. There is strong demand within Congress to take back the Education portfolio from the Muslim League this time. In exchange, the Health department may be offered to the League.

It is learnt that crucial departments such as Home, Finance, Revenue, Forest, Devaswom, Power, and Tourism will not be given to coalition partners and will be retained by Congress. The Muslim League has reportedly secured portfolios like Industries, Local Self-Government, and Public Works.

Also Read: CM race heats up in Kerala; KC Venugopal camp claims support of 43 MLAs, 3 Independents too

In 2011, the IT department was given to the Muslim League in the Oommen Chandy cabinet. However, there is now strong demand within Congress to reclaim that portfolio. Congress is considering allocating departments such as Irrigation, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Food & Civil Supplies, Fisheries, Labour, and Transport to other allies.

12 + 1 for Congress, 4 + 1 for League

In the new cabinet, Congress will have 12 ministers including the Chief Minister. The Speaker’s post will also go to Congress. The Muslim League is likely to get four ministerial positions along with the Deputy Speaker’s post. However, Congress leaders are concerned that the League may push for a 5th ministerial berth. If that demand intensifies, a 5th ministerial position may be granted, but in that case, the Deputy Speaker post will not be given.

The Kerala Congress (Joseph faction) may get one ministerial berth along with the Chief Whip position. The RSP will get one minister post. Parties like Kerala Congress (Jacob), RMP, and CMP—each with one seat—are also expected to demand minister post. Among the 4 winning independents, some are also eyeing minister positions. Congress leaders stated that discussions will also include the possibility of a rotational arrangement for smaller parties and independents.