Thiruvananthapuram: The tough bargaining for ministerial posts among the UDF constituents has ended with the Kerala Congress(M) accepting two berths, with a promise of getting an additional berth in the near future, and the IUML four. KC(M) Chairman KM Mani will be the new Finance Minister while PJ Joseph gets the Water Resources and Irrigation portfolios. Mani will also look after Law and Housing.
All constituents, even those having only one MLA, will find their place in the cabinet.
Though Mani demanded a berth for PC George, it was decided to be discussed later. Sources indicated that George may get the portfolio of Parliamentary Affairs. The Congress offered the strategic Finance portfolio to Mani so as to pressurise him into settling for two berths.
Though the IUML demanded five berths, they were willing to settle for four by omitting MK Muneer from the list. PK Kunhalikutty, PK Abdu Rubb, VK Ibrahim Kunju and Manjalamkuzhy Ali will be the ministers from the League.
The discussion on the portfolios between Congress and League remains unresolved. The IUML has demanded Industry, Public Works, Local Self-Government.
Instead of Education, they are eyeing Revenue but the Congress is not willing to sacrifice it.
The two new faces in the government, Shibu Baby John will get Labour and KP Mohanan will get Agriculture. Tourism and Sports are likely to be the portfolios of KB Ganesh Kumar while Food and Civil Supplies and Ports will be handled by TM Jacob.
The final announcement of the portfolios will be only on Wednesday after the swearing-in ceremony and at the first Cabinet meeting. The discussion with the IUML leadership on the portfolios were continuing till late evening.
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