Thiruvananthapuram, 17 May — The United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala is on the verge of completing its cabinet formation, with intensive alliance consultations expected to conclude on Sunday ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Monday. Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan is set to lead the new administration, which will comprise a 21-member cabinet including the Chief Minister.

Final List Submission and Timeline

The final list of ministers is expected to be submitted to the Governor by approximately 2 pm on Sunday, according to sources close to the process. Consultations among alliance partners and senior leadership have been ongoing since morning, with broad outlines of the power-sharing arrangement already in place. Congress representative and Kerala in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi confirmed that discussions are progressing smoothly and that a definitive decision on ministerial composition is anticipated later in the day.

Congress Set to Hold 11 Portfolios

Political sources indicate that the Indian National Congress (INC) is likely to secure 11 ministerial positions, including the Chief Minister's post. Among the names understood to be nearly finalised from the Congress camp are senior leader Ramesh Chennithala, who is expected to take charge of the Home portfolio, along with Sunny Joseph, K. Muraleedharan, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, A.P. Anil Kumar, P.C. Vishnunath, M. Liju, Chandy Oommen, and Bindu Krishna. Notably, Satheesan himself is reportedly expected to retain the crucial Finance portfolio, though formal portfolio allocation is set to be confirmed only after the cabinet list receives official approval.

IUML Likely to Get Five Berths Amid Internal Debate

Coalition partner Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is reportedly in line for five ministerial positions in the new government. Names receiving priority consideration include P.K. Kunhalikutty, K.M. Shaji, N. Shamsuddeen, and Parakkal Abdulla. However, reports suggest internal differences have surfaced within the IUML over the possible inclusion of P.K. Basheer, with a section of the party reportedly expressing reservations about his elevation. The matter is understood to be one of the few remaining points of negotiation before the list is finalised.

What the Cabinet Composition Signals

The UDF's return to power in Kerala ends the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government's tenure and marks a significant realignment in the state's political landscape. The allocation of key portfolios — particularly Home and Finance — to senior Congress figures signals an effort to project administrative experience and stability. This comes amid expectations that the new government will face immediate pressure on economic governance and law-and-order issues that dominated the election campaign.

What Happens Next

Once the Governor formally approves the cabinet list, the swearing-in ceremony is set to proceed on Monday in Thiruvananthapuram. Portfolio allocation across all 21 ministerial positions is expected to be announced in the days following the oath-taking. The final composition will offer a clearer picture of the power-sharing balance within the newly elected UDF coalition.