The announcement of ministerial portfolio distribution in Kerala has reportedly been delayed due to disagreements over key departments, particularly the Fisheries portfolio, even after the Chief Minister and ministers formally assumed office.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has delayed the official notification regarding cabinet portfolio distribution despite the Chief Minister and ministers already assuming charge.
According to reports, the delay is linked to internal discussions and disagreements over the allocation of certain important departments, with the Fisheries department emerging as the main point of contention.
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The notification was initially expected to be released on Monday evening after receiving the Governor’s approval, but unresolved political negotiations reportedly forced a postponement.
Fisheries department becomes centre of dispute
The biggest hurdle in finalising the portfolio allocation is reportedly over who should receive the Fisheries department.
During discussions on cabinet formation, there was an understanding that the Higher Education and General Education departments — which had been handled separately under the previous Left government — would continue as separate portfolios.
Under the proposed arrangement:
- Congress would receive the Higher Education department
- The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) would receive General Education
However, the League also reportedly demanded the Fisheries department in addition to General Education, complicating negotiations within the alliance.
Latin Church concerns influence discussions
The issue gained additional political sensitivity after sections of the Latin Catholic community reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over not receiving adequate representation in the ministry.
Although Congress did not appoint a minister directly from the Latin community, senior leader Shibu Baby John belongs to the community. Following concerns raised by church representatives, Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan reportedly met church leadership after taking office.
The Latin community is understood to have strongly argued that the Fisheries department should be handled by someone with direct understanding and experience related to coastal and fishing sector issues.
Shibu Baby John’s role complicates allocation
Reports suggest that if the Fisheries department is allocated to Shibu Baby John, he may have to relinquish the Forest department that was earlier expected to be assigned to him.
At the same time, giving Fisheries to the League could create dissatisfaction among sections demanding stronger coastal community representation.
This balancing act between coalition partners and community expectations has reportedly delayed the final portfolio notification.
Other departments also under discussion
Apart from Fisheries, several other departments are also reportedly being renegotiated. The Kerala Congress is said to be demanding the Registration department in addition to Water Resources. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader K. Muraleedharan reportedly expressed reluctance to handle the Electricity department. He may instead receive the Health department.
The Electricity portfolio may be shifted to A. P. Anil Kumar, who had earlier been expected to get Health
These adjustments have further complicated the finalisation process. Despite the disagreements, discussions within the ruling alliance are reportedly continuing, and the government is expected to issue the final portfolio notification soon.
Political observers say the delay highlights the challenges of balancing coalition demands, community representation and internal party expectations during cabinet formation in Kerala.
Published: 19 May 2026, 10:15 am IST
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