Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan, on Sunday, announced the list of 20 ministers in the UDF cabinet. The detailed portfolios will be submitted to the Governor and will be published via gazette notification. Satheesan said that many of the close associates lost out on making into the cabinet due to various social and regional factors.

The Ministers include P K Kunhalikuty, Ramesh Chennithala, Sunny Joseph, K Muraleedharan, Mons Joseph, Shibu Baby John, Anoop Jacob, CP John, AP Anil Kumar, N Samsudheen, PC Vishnunadh, Roji M John, Bindhu Krishna, M Liju, K M Shaji, P K Basheer, Abdul Gafoor, T Siddique, K A Thulasi and O J Janeesh.

The Muslim League declared the names of five ministers in the UDF cabinet on Sunday. P K Kunhalikutty, N Samsudheen, K M Shaji, P K Basheer and V E Abdul Gafoor will be the League ministers in the cabinet.

Sayed Sadik Ali Shihab Thangal, President, IUML Kerala state committee and Chairman, National political committee declared the names and said that after 2.5 years, one minister from Kozhikode, Parakkal Abdulla, will be inducted into the cabinet. He didn't say which minister will be replaced.

Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan handed over the list of ministers to the Kerala Governor at Lok Bhavan on Sunday.

The Congress leadership finalised ministerial posts in the UDF cabinet after a two-day long discussion with allies and party leaders.

After days of internal negotiations, the Congress leadership has persuaded senior leader Ramesh Chennithala to accept the Home and Vigilance portfolios. Chennithala, who had been overlooked for the Chief Minister’s post, had reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over the arrangement. Sources said the issue surrounding the Home portfolio was resolved on Friday, though Chennithala is believed to have sought greater representation for his loyalists in both the Cabinet and the party organisation.

With the Home portfolio likely to go to Chennithala, Satheesan may choose the Finance portfolio, given his emphasis on fiscal issues during his tenure as Leader of the Opposition.

Party sources indicate that IUML general secretary P K Kunhalikutty is likely to handle the Industries and IT portfolios. Other departments expected to go to IUML ministers include Education, Public Works, Local Self-Government and Urban Affairs.

The swearing-in of newly elected MLAs is tentatively scheduled for May 21, while the election to the Speaker’s post is expected to be held on May 22.