Kerala’s United Democratic Front (UDF) government, led by Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan, has finalized the allocation of portfolios in its 21-member ministry, signaling the start of a new political era in the state. This marks a significant generational shift within the Congress and the UDF, with a notable influx of fresh faces in the Cabinet, including 14 first-time ministers.
The new ministry features 14 members, including Chief Minister Satheesan, who are entering the Cabinet for the first time, with six of them being first-time MLAs. This move underscores the UDF’s strategy to showcase a younger and more contemporary leadership following their decisive victory in the Assembly elections. Additionally, the Cabinet now includes two women ministers from the Congress, a first in Kerala’s recent political landscape.
In a notable move towards broader representation, Congress leader Bindu Krishna has been appointed as the Labour minister, while K.A.Thulasi, wife of Palakkad Congress MP V.K.Sreekandan, has also secured a ministerial position, overseeing the Welfare of Scheduled Caste, Tribe, and Backward Classes. The portfolio of Excise and Cooperation has been assigned to newcomer M.Liju.
The allocation of portfolios followed extensive consultations, internal pressures, and negotiations within the Congress and its coalition partners. The most contentious issue revolved around the Fisheries portfolio, initially assigned to the Indian Union Muslim League despite objections from the Latin Catholic Church, which advocated for the department to remain with the Congress. After deliberations, the UDF retained Fisheries with the League, appointing V.E. Abdul Gafoor as the minister.
