Will Ramesh Chennithala Join Satheesan's Kerala Cabinet As Home Minister?

Last Updated:May 16, 2026, 12:03 IST

Congress high command asks CM designate V D Satheesan to give Ramesh Chennithala Home and Vigilance portfolios, easing tensions as UDF finalises a 21-member cabinet

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who has expressed his unhappiness quite openly after getting sidelined in the chief ministerial race, will reportedly join CM-designate V D Satheesan’s cabinet and will get Home and Vigilance portfolios, The New Indian Express Reported.

In an effort to ease tensions with Chennithala, who skilled party meetings as a mark of protest, the high command asked Satheesan to include him in the cabinet and give him high-profile portfolios.

Give High-Profile Portfolios To Chennithala: Congress High Command

As per the report, the high command’s step was aimed at resolving the growing tensions between party factions. The high command intervened at a time when some reports suggested Chennithala might refuse to join the cabinet.

The party had reached a consensus that Chennithala should be assigned two crucial portfolios, but some followers of Satheesan were reportedly against it.

The high command, however, clearly told Satheesan that Chennithala had all the eligibility for that role, considering his seniority.

Also Read: VD Satheesan Is Next Kerala Chief Minister: How The Grassroots Congressman Reached The Top Post

The high command further told the CM-designate that Chennithala was a frontrunner for the chief minister’s designation, as per The New Indian Express.

According to the report, Chennithala is likely to take that offer.

Earlier on Saturday, Satheesan visited Chennithala’s residence, after which AICC general secretary Deepa Dasmunsi also spoke to him for an hour and tried to convince him to join the party.

Who All Will Be Part Of Satheesan’s Cabinet?

Meanwhile, the Congress-led UDF has begun informal consultations over the composition of the new cabinet ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Monday. Sources said the Satheesan ministry is expected to feature a blend of experienced leaders and newcomers, while also taking into account caste equations, community representation and regional balance.

Also Read: Who Will Get ‘Kerala 2’ Car? Buzz Grows Ahead Of V D Satheesan’s Swearing-In

In the proposed 21-member cabinet, the Congress is likely to hold 12 berths, including the chief minister’s post. The IUML is expected to get four to five ministerial positions, while the RSP, Kerala Congress (Joseph faction), Kerala Congress (Jacob faction) and CMP are likely to receive one berth each.

Apart from Chennithala, several senior Congress leaders are tipped for cabinet positions, including KPCC chief Sunny Joseph, K Muraleedharan, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, KPCC working presidents A P Anil Kumar and P C Vishnunadh, along with M Liju.

The cabinet is also expected to include a woman representative, with Kollam leader Bindu Krishna and Satheesan loyalist Shanimol Usman emerging as frontrunners.

Among allies, IUML veteran P K Kunhalikutty, RSP leader Shibhu Baby John, Kerala Congress leader Anoop Jacob and CMP’s C P John are likely to be inducted into the ministry, sources said.

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