Thiruvananthapuram: Six Congress leaders have reportedly secured ministerial berths in the V D Satheesan government. KPCC president Sunny Joseph, Ramesh Chennithala, K Muraleedharan, P C Vishnunath, M Liju and Bindu Krishna are the leaders said to have confirmed cabinet berths.

The Congress is expected to finalise the remaining five names only after completing seat-sharing discussions with the Indian Union Muslim League, with a focus on ensuring representation for the maximum number of districts. The Congress will have 12 ministers, including the Chief Minister.

If the IUML decides to induct Kalamassery MLA V E Abdul Gafoor as minister, it could shut the door on Anwar Sadath. However, if AKM Ashraf gets the nod instead, the equations may change.

Only one among Shanimol Usman, T Siddique and Anwar Sadath is likely to make it to the cabinet. If the high command insists on having two women ministers, Shanimol could become minister, reducing the chances of the other two. Otherwise, one among Siddique or Anwar Sadath may become minister, while Shanimol could be considered for Deputy Speaker.

If T Siddique is inducted, I C Balakrishnan is unlikely to get a berth, as two ministers from Wayanad district are considered improbable. Representation from Kozhikode district will also depend on the IUML’s final decision. A minister from Kozhikode is almost certain, but if Parakkal Abdulla is chosen by the League, the Congress may not get a minister from the district despite the party winning 12 of the 13 seats there after two decades.

Apart from the six names already finalised, decisions are pending for the remaining five ministerial berths as well as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker posts. Those under consideration include Shanimol Usman, A P Anil Kumar, I C Balakrishnan, and one among Roji M John, M Vincent, T J Vinod and Chandy Oommen.

Though Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan is keen on a ministerial berth, he is being considered for the Speaker’s role owing to his seniority. If he declines, N Sakthan or V T Balram may emerge as alternatives. If Shanimol becomes minister, Balram could also be considered for Deputy Speaker.

Apart from N Sakthan, leaders such as K Jayant and Senapathy Venu could also enter the final shortlist in view of community balance considerations.

From Kottayam district, if either Chandy Oommen or Thiruvanchoor is inducted into the cabinet, another leader may not get a chance as Mons Joseph is already expected to become minister.