Oommen Chandy in a dilemma as allies demand more ministerial berths

KOCHI: Coalition partners of the Congress in Kerala’s United Democratic Front, or UDF, have made chief minister-designate Oommen Chandy’s job difficult by demanding more ministerial berths than expected.

Talks between Congress and Kerala Congress (M) on the number of ministers and portfolios remained inconclusive on Monday. It is learnt that Kerala Congress (M) has asked for three ministers and the deputy Speaker’s post while Congress has offered only two ministers and the deputy Speaker’s slot.

After talks, Kerala Congress (M) leader KM Mani said that a deal has not been reached on the portfolios or number of ministers. Talks will continue on Tuesday. The front will have to limit the number of ministers to 20, including the chief minister. The Indian Union Muslim League, the second largest party in the front with 20 seats, is likely to ask for five ministerial berths.

The party met on Monday and elected PK Kunhalikutty as its parliamentary party leader. IUML and Kerala Congress (M) are believed to have asked for the finance and revenue portfolios. The Socialist Janatha with 2 elected members has nominated KP Mohanan as their minister. Mohanan told reporters that he expected to get an important portfolio. Though the party has not formally asked for any portfolio, it is learnt that it will pitch for agriculture or co-operation ministries.

To add to Congress’ woes, Kerala Congress (J), RSP(B) and Kerala Congress (B), with an MLA each, are also likely to ask for key portfolios. Tourism, education, health and culture are some of the ministries that these small parties are eyeing. Oommen Chandy has the unenviable task of appeasing all the coalition partners with representation in the government and satisfying his own party men while allocating the portfolios, at the same time restricting the size of the ministry to twenty.