K C Venugopal Emerges as Power Centre in New UDF Govt Formation

T'puram: Though he missed out on the chief minister's post, senior Congress functionary K C Venugopal has emerged as a key power centre in the formation of the new UDF govt, with his camp securing significant representation in the cabinet as well as several major portfolios. Party sources said seven of the 11 Congress ministers in the V D Satheesan ministry are considered close to Venugopal. His influence is also said to have extended to portfolio allocation, with several important departments going to functionaries backed by him. The developments have reportedly triggered discontent within sections of the Congress, particularly among functionaries aligned with Satheesan, as several of their nominees failed to secure cabinet berths and preferences over portfolio allocation did not materialise. Congress veteran K Muraleedharan is understood to have expressed displeasure over being allotted the power portfolio. Sources said both Satheesan and Muraleedharan favoured health department for him, considering its political significance. However, the portfolio eventually went to A P Anilkumar, who is regarded as a trusted lieutenant of Venugopal. Party insiders said there was intense lobbying from the Venugopal camp in favour of Anilkumar for the health portfolio. Efforts are now reportedly under way to pacify Muraleedharan by additionally assigning him the devaswom department. Cabinet formation also witnessed internal negotiations over representation from different party factions. Satheesan reportedly pushed for the inclusion of senior functionary Shanimol Usman in the ministry. However, senior functionary Ramesh Chennithala is said to have lobbied for Anwar Sadath while Venugopal backed T Siddique. After prolonged discussions, Siddique found a place in the cabinet while Shanimol Usman was accommodated as deputy speaker. A similar situation emerged in the case of V T Balram, who is considered a close associate of Satheesan. Sources said Balram's chances diminished after the inclusion of O J Janeesh, reportedly backed by Venugopal camp. Among the limited gains for Satheesan during the final negotiations was the induction of Roji M John into the cabinet. Chandy Oommen, whose name remained under consideration till the final phase of discussions, eventually missed out as the brass sought to maintain factional and regional balance. Chennithala also reportedly sought cabinet representation for his nominee, I C Balakrishnan but was unable to secure a berth for him. Party sources indicated that K A Thulasi, who has now entered the cabinet, may step down after two-and-a-half years to make way for Balakrishnan, though no official confirmation has been made. Most of the key portfolios have gone to the nominees of Venugopal. Sunny Joseph has reportedly been allotted revenue, P C Vishnunadh tourism, M Lijju excise and cooperation, and T Siddique forest, reinforcing the perception of the growing influence of the Venugopal camp in the new administration.