UDF to hold crucial talks on cabinet berths today

Thiruvananthapuram: Intense discussions are set to continue within the UDF on Saturday as chief minister-designate V D Satheesan and UDF convener Adoor Prakash will meet leaders of constituent parties to finalise the composition of the new cabinet. The meeting has been scheduled for 10am in the state capital.The deliberations are expected to focus on the allocation of cabinet berths and portfolios ahead of the swearing-in ceremony slated for Monday. Prakash said all ministers would take oath along with the chief minister on the same day. IUML parliamentary party leader P K Kunhalikutty said Friday's discussions were only preliminary and no official decisions were taken. He added that further consultations among coalition partners would continue on Saturday. CMP leader C P John also described the talks as initial-level discussions and confirmed that the entire ministry would be sworn in together. Meanwhile, hectic negotiations are underway among UDF constituents over ministerial representation. IUML is learnt to have sought five cabinet berths while Kerala Congress has reportedly demanded two ministerial positions. However, indications are that the demand for a second berth by the Joseph faction may not be accepted. Smaller allies, including CMP, Kerala Congress (Jacob) and the Kerala Democratic Party led by Mani C Kappan, have also staked claim to cabinet representation. Within the UDF, there is also concern that if cabinet berths are allotted to these smaller constituents, RMP cannot be ignored.Sources said discussions are also taking place on accommodating former CPM leader and ex-minister G Sudhakaran in some capacity. RSP is almost certain to secure one cabinet berth.Congress is likely to retain 11 cabinet positions along with the speaker's post. Party leaders are expected to finalise Congress nominees only after the portfolio-sharing arrangements with alliance partners are settled. Political observers say that if Kerala Congress is denied a second cabinet berth, the party may seek the chief whip's post instead. Similarly, IUML could press for the deputy speaker's post if its demand for a fifth minister is not accepted.