Congress Leaders Hold Talks on Cabinet Formation Ahead of UDF Govt Swearing-in

T'PURAM/KOTTAYAM: Efforts to ensure unity within Congress ahead of the formation of the new UDF govt gathered pace on Friday, with chief minister-designate V D Satheesan holding discussions with senior functionaries Ramesh Chennithala and K C Venugopal over cabinet formation. Satheesan met Chennithala at his residence and urged him to join the new ministry. Venugopal, who arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday evening, is expected to hold discussions with Satheesan on Saturday as consultations intensify ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Monday. With the Congress leadership keen on swearing in the full cabinet along with the chief minister, hectic parleys are expected over the next two days to finalise ministers and portfolio allocations. Satheesan personally requested Venugopal to come to the state capital to help coordinate discussions on cabinet formation. Leaders aligned with the Chennithala camp are also actively engaged in negotiations. Senior Congress neta Joseph Vazhakkan, who held multiple rounds of discussions with Satheesan, indicated that there was a strong possibility of Chennithala joining the ministry. However, Chennithala has not publicly confirmed his entry into the cabinet. AICC general secretary Deepa Dasmunshi also met Chennithala at his residence and is learnt to have conveyed the party high command's message stressing the importance of his participation in the govt. Satheesan told reporters after his meeting with Chennithala that the party would continue consultations with him regarding his role in the ministry. Chennithala too maintained that the final decision would be taken collectively by the party leadership. There are reports that Chennithala has sought the home portfolio and cabinet berths for two of his supporters. Though no final decision has been taken, sources indicated that he is pressing for the home department to secure the number two position in the ministry. Meanwhile, Venugopal sought to downplay speculation over internal differences, saying the cabinet formation process would proceed smoothly. He said the party would remain united once the high command's decision was announced and added that he already spoke to Chennithala regarding the developments. Venugopal is also expected to meet Chennithala shortly for further discussions. Ramesh should be part of cabinet: P J Kurien Senior Congress functionary P J Kurien said Chennithala should find a place in the cabinet. The presence of Chennithala in the cabinet is a must and will be good for everyone, Kurien told reporters in Thiruvalla. He also said that the portfolio for Chennithala will be decided by the chief minister. "Spoke to Chennithala in the morning," he said, refusing to divulge the details. He said he spoke to Satheesan as well and said that Satheesan is trying to hold everyone together.