VD Satheesan's oath as Kerala CM tomorrow amid disgruntlement over cabinet posts

Even before VD Satheesan formally takes oath as Kerala’s next chief minister on Monday, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is facing signs of internal unease over cabinet formation, power-sharing and the manner in which the leadership decision was finalised.

The swearing-in ceremony at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram will mark the UDF’s return to power after a decade, but negotiations over ministerial berths and criticism from influential community organisations have cast a shadow over the celebrations.

NSS QUESTIONS CM SELECTION PROCESS

Nair Service Society (NSS) general secretary G Sukumaran Nair on Thursday alleged that Satheesan’s elevation reflected the Congress “surrendering” before coalition partner Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). “It is unfortunate. If it were a democratic decision, it would not have been this,” Sukumaran Nair said.

Clarifying that he was not opposed to Satheesan personally becoming chief minister, the NSS leader questioned the prolonged delay in announcing the CM face and claimed the IUML’s stand became decisive in the process.

“The pressure exerted by the League was not right. They could have expressed their wish, but they could not have taken a stand on the issue,” he said.

The Congress took 11 days after the election results to finalise its chief ministerial pick amid discussions involving Satheesan, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala and AICC general secretary KC Venugopal. Satheesan was formally named CM-designate on May 14.

VELLAPPALLY HINTS AT ‘OUTSIDE PRESSURE’

Prominent Ezhava community leader and SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan also suggested that “outside pressure” influenced the chief ministerial decision, though he stopped short of naming anyone. “I am not going to say who exerted the pressure, but everyone knows it,” Natesan said.

While expressing hope that the new government would ensure governance based on social justice, Natesan also described Venugopal as the “main architect” of the UDF’s landslide victory and acknowledged Satheesan’s role as Leader of the Opposition over the last five years.

He also voiced disappointment over Chennithala being overlooked for the top post and concerns that the senior Congress leader may stay out of the cabinet.

KAPPAN UNHAPPY OVER CABINET FORMULA

Fresh trouble emerged within the UDF camp after Independent MLA Mani C Kappan publicly expressed dissatisfaction over a proposed rotational cabinet arrangement.

Kappan said he was offered a ministerial berth for only 2.5 years, after which Kerala Congress (Jacob) leader Anoop Jacob would replace him in the cabinet. “It was called Team UDF. Aren’t all in the team?” Kappan asked, indicating that he was unhappy with the arrangement.

The Pala MLA, a former international volleyball player, compared the situation to sports, saying players of different standards still remain part of the same team. He also claimed that both Satheesan and Chennithala had hinted during the campaign that he would receive a full-term cabinet berth if the UDF formed the government.

Kappan said he walked out of Saturday’s UDF meeting after refusing to agree to the rotational arrangement, though he maintained he did not want to create problems for the alliance.

MINISTERS' LIST TO REACH GOVERNOR TODAY

Meanwhile, Venugopal said the final list of ministers would be handed over to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Sunday evening.

“A capable UDF team will take oath as ministers. The UDF will field a good team that moves forward in line with the expectations of the people of Kerala,” he said.

The Congress-led alliance won 102 seats in the 140-member Kerala Assembly elections, defeating the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front, which secured 35 seats. The BJP won three seats.

Nevertheless, preparations for the 10 am ceremony are in full swing, with large-scale arrangements being made for party workers, dignitaries and VIP guests expected to attend.

- Ends

With agency inputs