Kerala New Cabinet Finalisation in Final Stage Ahead of Swearing-In on Monday

Thiruvananthapuram, May 2026 : With the swearing-in ceremony of the new government led by Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan scheduled for Monday, final discussions on cabinet formation are expected to conclude on Sunday, marking the last phase of negotiations within the ruling alliance.

The final list of ministers is likely to be submitted to the Governor around 2 p.m. on Sunday, as intensive consultations continue throughout the day between the Congress leadership and its alliance partners. Party leaders have been engaged in marathon meetings since the morning to finalise the power-sharing arrangement in the new government.

Congress representative and Kerala in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi confirmed that discussions are progressing in a coordinated manner and expressed confidence that a final decision on the cabinet composition would be reached later in the day.

The new administration is expected to feature a 21-member cabinet, including the Chief Minister. Political sources indicate that the Congress is set to secure 11 ministerial portfolios, including the top post of Chief Minister, reflecting its dominant position within the ruling coalition.

While consensus has reportedly been reached on several Congress nominees, talks are still ongoing with alliance partners regarding their share of cabinet berths. Among the Congress leaders expected to be inducted are senior figures Ramesh Chennithala, who is likely to handle the Home portfolio, along with Sunny Joseph, K. Muraleedharan, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, A.P. Anil Kumar, P.C. Vishnunath, M. Liju, Chandy Oommen, and Bindu Krishna.

Sources indicate that a few remaining positions are still under negotiation, though most key names have been finalised. It is also understood that Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan is likely to retain the crucial Finance portfolio, reflecting his central role in shaping the new government’s economic agenda.

However, the allocation of portfolios will be formally decided only after the cabinet list receives approval from the Governor.

Meanwhile, coalition partner Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is expected to be allotted five ministerial positions in the new cabinet. Prominent names under consideration include P.K. Kunhalikutty, K.M. Shaji, N. Shamsuddeen, and Parakkal Abdulla.

However, internal differences have reportedly emerged within the IUML regarding the possible inclusion of P.K. Basheer, with a section of the party expressing reservations over his elevation to the cabinet.

With discussions nearing completion, the final cabinet composition is expected to provide a clearer picture of the internal power-sharing dynamics within the newly elected United Democratic Front (UDF) government. All eyes are now on Sunday’s final announcement, which will formally set the stage for Monday’s swearing-in ceremony.