Alappuzha: On the eve of the high-profile swearing-in ceremony of the V D Satheesan-led administration in Kerala, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal on Sunday asserted that the new United Democratic Front (UDF) dispensation will feature a highly competent Council of Ministers dedicated to fulfilling public expectations.

Interacting with the media, the Congress leader confirmed that the official list of ministers would be made public prior to Monday's oath-taking event.

"We will have one of the most capable teams as ministers in the UDF government. The state is waiting in hope for a new regime that can bring meaningful change and work for the public, rather than indulge in unnecessary controversies. The UDF government is preparing itself for that responsibility and should be given time to function," Venugopal said.

The Alappuzha MP reiterated the front's absolute commitment to honouring the five core pre-election guarantees promised by the UDF. This welfare package famously features free public transport travel for women alongside a dedicated monthly stipend of ₹1,000 for college-going girl students.

Addressing recent friction and pushback from rival political factions and specific community leaders concerning the key role of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) within the alliance, Venugopal heavily criticised the remarks as bad-faith attempts to manufacture controversy before the government even takes charge. He strongly urged against the propagation of such "venomous statements”.

"The election results themselves showed that people in Kerala do not accept communal polarisation. Repeatedly targeting the IUML was a deliberate attempt to create divisions in society and was not driven by good intentions. Kerala is a land where love and communal harmony thrive, not a place where divisive politics would succeed," he said.

Detailing the inner workings of the newly victorious coalition, Venugopal maintained that no single ally would dominate the governance structure, emphasising that consensus remains their foundational rule. He added, "Congress has its own ideology and methods, while IUML has its own, but within the UDF framework, all decisions would be taken through consensus."

Venugopal also expressed massive satisfaction over senior leader Ramesh Chennithala's decision to join the new Cabinet, calling it a highly positive sign for the alliance. Furthermore, he assured that his home constituency of Alappuzha would secure a robust presence in the state cabinet to restore its economic momentum.

Reflecting on his deep, multi-decade connection to Alappuzha dating back to 1996, Venugopal noted that his bond with the district is akin to an "umbilical cord," pledging that the region will be granted everything it rightfully deserves under the incoming regime.

PTI