Congress Negotiates Ministerial Portfolios Ahead of Kerala Government Formation
Kerala Cabinet: Congress leadership in talks with UDF allies to seal allocation of ministerial berths
The HinduImage: The Hindu
As Kerala prepares for a new government, Congress is in discussions with its United Democratic Front (UDF) allies to finalize ministerial allocations before the swearing-in ceremony on May 18, 2026. Key issues include demands for full terms from single-MLA parties and the allocation of significant portfolios to the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
- 01The Congress leadership is negotiating with UDF allies to finalize the Cabinet before the May 18 swearing-in ceremony.
- 02Mani C. Kappan of the Nationalist Congress Kerala has rejected term-sharing demands from single-MLA parties.
- 03The Congress has allocated five Cabinet berths to the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which is pushing for key portfolios.
- 04UDF allies, including CPI(M) rebels, are also being considered for ministerial positions after their alignment with the Congress-led alliance.
- 05KPCC President Sunny Joseph emphasized that the UDF will form a 'meritorious Cabinet'.
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In the lead-up to the formation of a new government in Kerala, Congress is actively negotiating with its United Democratic Front (UDF) allies regarding the allocation of ministerial portfolios. The discussions are critical as the deadline for Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan to submit the Council of Ministers list to Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlerkar is set for 2 p.m. on May 18, 2026. Congress insiders indicate that a resolution is expected before 1 p.m. on the same day. Key demands have emerged from various parties, including Mani C. Kappan of the Nationalist Congress Kerala, who has rejected term-sharing proposals for single-MLA parties. Additionally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is set to receive five Cabinet positions, with the party advocating for significant portfolios such as Industries, IT, and Education. The inclusion of CPI(M) rebels who have joined the Congress-led alliance is also under consideration, with notable figures like G. Sudhakaran expressing a non-committal stance on seeking ministerial roles. Amidst these negotiations, KPCC President Sunny Joseph assured that the UDF would form a capable Cabinet.
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The negotiations and final allocation of ministerial portfolios will directly affect governance in Kerala and the distribution of power among political parties.
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