Kerala Cabinet: VD Satheesan's team takes shape with 15 ministers amid high-stakes talks
Thiruvananthapuram: High-stakes deliberations and heated debates have intensified within the Congress party camp as leaders finalise the ministerial list for the incoming United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala, with Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan set to hold the Finance Department and Ramesh Chennithala allocated the crucial Home and Vigilance portfolios. Following the resolution of the deadlock over these key ministries, reports indicate that other 13 prominent UDF leaders have emerged as the frontrunners to secure highly coveted Cabinet berths alongside them.
The Satheesan Cabinet frontrunners
According to emerging reports, the names currently under active consideration to join the Cabinet are
- K Muraleedharan
- M Liju
- Sunny Joseph (KPCC President)
- P C Vishnunath
- Chandy Oommen
- Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan
- Bindhu Krishna
- A P Anil Kumar
- T Siddique
- N Shakthan
- C P John (CMP)
- Mons Joseph (KC-Joseph)
- Anoop Jacob (KC-Jacob)
The selection process has triggered intense backroom discussions as various party factions push for strong representation ahead of the official swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026.
Factional balance and regional representation
The inclusion of these prominent figures reflects a strategic move by the Congress high command to maintain a strict balance between organisational loyalty, regional interests and generational shifts. With veteran leaders like K Muraleedharan bringing extensive administrative experience, and younger faces like Chandy Oommen and M Liju representing the party's future, the upcoming Cabinet aims to project a resurgent and unified front.
While the official list awaits final clearance from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) leadership, insiders confirm that discussions remain highly animated as portfolios and regional equations are carefully calculated to prevent any post-election discord.