Kozhikode’s minister dreams hit setback as UDF cabinet talks heat up

Kozhikode: With the Chief Ministerial decision finalised in Kerala, discussions regarding the formation of the new United Democratic Front (UDF) cabinet have intensified.

Despite the UDF securing a major victory in Kozhikode district, indications suggest that the district may receive only one ministerial berth, likely from the Congress party.

Political discussions are currently centred around balancing caste equations, regional representation and coalition interests while finalising the cabinet lineup.

According to discussions within the UDF, Congress leaders K. Praveenkumar and K. Jayanth are among the prominent names being considered for a ministerial position from Kozhikode district.

K. Praveenkumar currently serves as the District Congress Committee (DCC) President, while K. Jayanth is seen as another strong contender within the party.

Sources indicate that social and caste representation could play a decisive role in the final selection.

Muslim League’s ministerial hopes weaken

Although the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) secured six seats in the district and had expected representation in the cabinet, reports suggest the chances of Kozhikode getting a League minister have weakened considerably.

Names such as M.A. Razack and Parakkal Abdullah were initially discussed for ministerial roles.

However, sources indicate that no leader from Kozhikode district has been included in the League’s probable ministerial list so far.

Possible cabinet-rank role for M.K. Muneer

Instead of a ministerial berth, discussions are reportedly taking place over assigning M.K. Muneer a cabinet-rank position as Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission.

The move is being seen as a possible compromise amid demands from Kozhikode leaders seeking stronger representation in the new government.

Leaders from the district, including M.K. Muneer, are understood to have met Panakkad Sadiqali Shihab Thangal to push for ministerial representation from Kozhikode.

The latest election marked one of the strongest performances for the UDF in Kozhikode district. Congress won five seats, while the Muslim League secured six seats — the highest number of League victories in the district’s history.

Apart from Malappuram, Kozhikode reportedly recorded the highest number of Muslim League winners in the state during this election.

This strong performance strengthened demands within the district for greater cabinet representation.

Comparison with previous LDF government

During the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, Kozhikode district had three ministers, including one representative from the Indian National League (INL).

Political leaders and party workers are now arguing that the district deserves stronger representation in the new UDF government as well.

There are also discussions around whether senior leader K.M. Shaji should be considered part of Kozhikode representation, although some leaders point out that he originally belongs to Wayanad despite residing in Kozhikode.

With cabinet formation discussions actively underway, a final decision on Kozhikode’s representation is expected in the coming days. Political observers say the outcome could influence internal equations within both Congress and the Muslim League as the UDF prepares to form the new government in Kerala.