Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar approved the allocation of portfolios recommended by Chief Minister VD Satheesan, as announced by Lok Bhavan on Wednesday. This approval came two days after the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government was sworn in, following its victory over the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the April 9 assembly elections. The UDF secured 102 out of 140 assembly seats, with Congress winning 63.
Satheesan, who previously served as the Leader of the Opposition, will oversee a total of 35 departments, which include finance, law, general administration, and ports. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, a contender for the chief minister’s position, has been assigned the critical home portfolio, alongside responsibilities for vigilance and three other departments.
PK Kunhalikutty, a senior leader from the Congress ally Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), has been given important portfolios such as industries and commerce, information technology, artificial intelligence, startups, mining and geology, as well as handlooms and textiles. The IUML, having won 22 seats, is the second-largest constituent of the UDF.
Sunny Joseph, head of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), will manage the Electricity, Environment, and Parliamentary Affairs portfolios. Senior Congress leader K. Muraleedharan will oversee seven departments, including Health, Devaswoms, Food Safety, and Medical Education.
Among other appointed ministers, Roji M. John will handle Higher Education, A.P. Anil Kumar is responsible for Land and Revenue, and N. Shamsudheen will serve as the General Education Minister. Shibu Baby John from the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) has been allocated the Forests and Wildlife Protection portfolio, in addition to Skill Development. Mons Joseph will supervise the Irrigation, Ground Water, Water Supply and Sanitation, and Housing departments.
