From factional tensions to final list: How VD Satheesan shaped Kerala’s new cabinet

After a fortnight of intense negotiations, public protests, and visible displays of factional strength, VD Satheesan is set to take oath as Kerala’s Chief Minister on Monday (May 18). The 21-member cabinet reflects a carefully negotiated balance within the United Democratic Front (UDF), bringing together coalition partners and competing groups within the Congress.

The final composition includes 12 members from the Congress, five from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), and one each from Kerala Congress (Joseph), CMP, and RSP. One berth will be shared on a rotational basis between Kerala Congress Jacob and KDP. Kerala Congress Joseph has also secured the chief whip post with cabinet rank, a key concession during the negotiations.

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The cabinet and other key posts comprise 10 Hindus, including the Speaker, with five from forward communities, three from Other Backward Classes, and two from Scheduled Castes. It also includes seven Muslims, including the Deputy Speaker, and six Christians.

Cabinet reflects internal balancing

Within the Congress, the list attempts to strike a balance between senior leaders and a younger generation. Ramesh Chennithala has been included despite being overlooked for the top post. His presence is seen as an effort to maintain internal balance. Other senior leaders such as K Muraleedharan and Sunny Joseph are also part of the cabinet.

At the same time, the Congress has brought in relatively younger faces including PC Vishnunath, Roji M John, and T Siddique. The inclusion of Bindu Krishna and KA Thulasi is significant as it addresses criticism over the lack of representation of women. This will be one of the rare occasions in recent years when the Congress has two ministers from the scheduled caste in Kerala. However, they could not match the outgoing LDF government in women representation which had three women ministers.

Sources indicate that out of the Congress quota, a dominant section of ministers are seen as aligned with AICC general secretary KC Venugopal. Of the 11 considered in this list, as many as nine are believed to be his supporters. However, Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan has rejected suggestions that factional considerations influenced the final list.

The cabinet also reflects certain shifts in representation. For the first time in recent years, there will be two Scheduled Caste ministers in a Congress-led government in the state. The presence of two women ministers and a woman Deputy Speaker is also being noted as a step towards broader inclusion.

Satheesan defends cabinet picks

“There were certain limitations, some social realities, and regional considerations related to different sectors. All of that was examined. The leaders held detailed discussions and consultations. To my knowledge, there was no Scheduled Caste minister in the last cabinet. For the first time in recent history, there will be two Scheduled Caste ministers. Also, for the first time in recent Congress history, there will be two women ministers. In addition, there will be a woman Deputy Speaker. We have a woman as Deputy Speaker after a long time. It is true that many deserving names are left out,” said Satheesan.

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The run-up to the swearing-in has been marked by unusual public friction. Supporters of leaders who were in contention took to the streets in several districts. Posters were pulled down, and rival groups openly asserted their claims. The Congress leadership had to manage both internal dissent and pressure from allies while finalising the list.

The IUML list is led by PK Kunhalikutty, the most experienced member of the cabinet. He has served as a minister in multiple UDF governments since 1991 and will be the senior- most member in terms of cabinet experience, even ahead of the chief minister. His presence is expected to provide administrative stability.

The other IUML members are PK Basheer, KM Shaji, N Shamsuddeen, and first-time MLA VE Abdul Gafoor. Except for Kunhalikutty, the rest do not have prior ministerial experience, indicating a generational shift within the party.

Smaller allies get representation

Among other allies, CP John represents CMP and Shibu Baby John represents RSP. The Kerala Congress (Joseph)’s slot is expected to go to Mons Joseph, though a final confirmation is awaited. Another berth will go to Anoop Jacob, of Kerala Congress (Jacob), reflecting the need to accommodate smaller but politically relevant groups.

Outside the cabinet, key positions have also been decided. Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan will be the Speaker of the Assembly. Shanimol Usman will be the Deputy Speaker.

“Portfolios have largely been finalised but have not been officially announced. Only minor adjustments are pending. As per convention, the allocation will be notified after the swearing-in once it receives approval and is published in the gazette,” said Satheesan.

Spotlight on swearing-in ceremony

The swearing-in ceremony is expected to draw national attention. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi are likely to attend. Chief Ministers from Congress-ruled states including Siddaramaiah, Revanth Reddy, and Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu are also expected.

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Leaders from across the political spectrum have been invited. Pinarayi Vijayan is expected to attend in his capacity as Leader of the Opposition. BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and CPI leader Binoy Viswam have indicated they will be present. Community leaders including Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal are also expected to attend.

Challenges await new government

Even as the cabinet takes shape, the challenges ahead are significant. The process of finalising the list has exposed factional tensions within the Congress and competing demands from allies. Managing these pressures while ensuring stable governance will be an early test for the new chief minister.

For now, the focus is on Monday’s ceremony, where a coalition shaped by negotiation and compromise will formally assume office.