Even as Kerala enters the second day under the new UDF government led by Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan, the allocation of ministerial portfolios remains undecided, with the official gazette notification still pending despite expectations of an announcement soon after Monday’s swearing-in ceremony. The government is meanwhile set to hold its second Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
According to reports, K. Muraleedharan is likely to handle the Health portfolio, while Ramesh Chennithala is expected to become Home Minister. Chief Minister Satheesan is also likely to retain the Finance Department. However, delays continue due to disagreements between the Congress and the IUML over the Higher Education portfolio.
The Muslim League is reportedly willing to exchange Higher Education for Fisheries, but the move has drawn objections from the Latin Catholic Church. Vicar General Fr. Eugene Pereira stated that the Fisheries Department should be handled by someone who understands the concerns of the fishing community.
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Sources indicate that key portfolios such as Education, Public Works, Local Self Government and Urban Affairs may go to IUML ministers, while P. K. Kunhalikutty is likely to oversee Industries and IT.
Meanwhile, the Finance Department is preparing a white paper on Kerala’s financial condition through a special committee headed by former Cabinet Secretary K. M. Chandrasekhar. Additional Chief Secretary K. R. Jyothilal will serve as convener, alongside economist Dr Narayanan and CDS Director Dr Veeramani.
In another major development, the Home Department has formed a six-member SIT to reinvestigate the alleged assault on Congress workers during the 2023 Nava Kerala Sadas programme, reportedly involving gunmen linked to former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The probe will be led by Crime Branch SP Shoukathali, with DySP Baiju Poulose heading the investigation.
The government has also announced plans to study the formation of a dedicated ministry for senior citizens, inspired by Japan’s elderly care model, as Kerala faces the challenges of a rapidly ageing population.
