Thiruvananthapuram: With the chief ministerial decision settled, the next major challenge before the Congress in Kerala is the formation of the new cabinet.

The biggest question now revolves around what role senior leader Ramesh Chennithala will be given and how the party leadership plans to address his reported dissatisfaction over missing out on the chief minister’s post.

The Congress now faces the difficult task of balancing ministerial positions among communities, alliance partners, senior leaders, women and the younger generation while maintaining internal party equations.

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One of the toughest decisions for the party is expected to be determining Chennithala’s position in the government. Given his seniority and long political career, sidelining him completely could create resentment among party workers and supporters.

There is speculation that Chennithala could be considered for the Speaker’s post. However, political observers believe he may not be willing to accept the role, considering his stature within the party. Reports suggest that only direct intervention by Sonia Gandhi may persuade him to soften his stand.

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Following the announcement of VD Satheesan as Chief Minister, Chennithala is learnt to have conveyed his displeasure to the Congress high command. According to reports, he reportedly felt his seniority was ignored despite maintaining party discipline over the years.

Reports also suggest that Chennithala informed the leadership that he may skip the Congress Legislature Party meeting and is not keen on joining the cabinet. This has left the Congress leadership searching for ways to accommodate and pacify him. He could possibly be offered a cabinet-rank post outside the ministry or a highly influential portfolio if he agrees to join the government.

At the same time, the Congress has to ensure balanced representation for major communities, including Nairs, Christians and Muslims, while allocating cabinet positions. If leaders such as Chennithala, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and K Muraleedharan are included in the cabinet, it could increase Nair representation significantly and complicate the balancing exercise.

The party is also expected to give representation to younger leaders and women. Bindu Krishna from Kollam is considered a strong contender for a ministerial berth.

Meanwhile, competing claims from the camps of KC Venugopal and Chennithala are likely to make cabinet formation more complicated.

In the 21-member ministry, around 10 or 11 berths are expected to go to alliance partners. The Indian Union Muslim League is likely to receive five ministerial positions.

The Kerala Congress (Joseph) may get one cabinet berth along with the Chief Whip post. Leaders such as Anoop Jacob of Kerala Congress (Jacob), Shibu Baby John of the RSP and CP John of the CMP are also likely to be considered for ministerial positions.

Discussions are also reportedly underway on whether Mani C Kappan should be accommodated in the cabinet, possibly under a rotational arrangement.