New govt: CPI likely to retain 4 cabinet berths

Thiruvananthapuram: Bilateral discussions on government formation continued at CPM state headquarters on Friday. It is learnt that CPM and CPI have reached a consensus and the latter will have four ministers in the next government. But, CPI would drop its claim for the chief whip’s post, which it held in the first Pinarayi government.
Discussions on portfolios to be allocated to CPI, the second biggest constituent in LDF, are not over. It is learnt that CPI was reluctant to give up key portfolios it held in the first DLF government. Sources say KC(M) has asked revenue or agriculture portfolios that were earlier handled by CPI. But, CPI will continue to hold the deputy speaker post.
CPM had refused KC(M)’s two-cabinet berth demand and promised one ministerial berth and another with cabinet rank, most probably the chief whip’s post. CPM is unlikely to give up key portfolios such as finance, education, health, industries and local self-government institutions. Hence, CPM may offer KC(M) PWD or power portfolio.
Meanwhile, KC(B) leader K B Ganesh Kumar is likely to be a part of the new cabinet. The fate of Janadhipathya Kerala Congress MLA Antony Raju hangs in the balance and discussions in CPM favour Alappuzha MLA PP Chitharanjan as the representative of Latin Catholic community in the cabinet. But, discussions are on the possibility of Janadhipathya Kerala Congress and INL sharing a cabinet berth. Congress(S) leader Kadannappally Ramachandran is unlikely to be included in the cabinet.
Meanwhile, CPM is looking at the probability of clubbing together general and higher education portfolios.
The possibility of KT Jaleel securing a seat in the second Pinarayi cabinet is remote. If that be the case, Shoranur MLA P Mammikutty or former LSGI minister AC Moideen may be considered by the CPM.
LDF is scheduled to meet on Monday and CPM secretariat on Tuesday. As per current plans, the swearing-in ceremony of the new government will be held on May 20 at Central stadium, subject to Covid restrictions.