Kerala Cabinet Formation LIVE: Congress-led UDF locked in last-minute talks, full list of Ministers to be finalised today

While Congress insiders say a “clear picture” will emerge before 1pm, the leadership is understood to be demanding that allies make concessions and find a middle ground. This came before the 2 pm deadline for Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan to submit the Cabinet list to Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlerkar.

Congress members confirmed reports that Nationalist Congress Kerala MLA-elect Mani C. Kappan, who ousted Kerala Congress (M) chief Jose K. Mani in a high-profile battle for Pala constituency, had rejected the demand that the single legislator parties agree on “term sharing” in the Cabinet.

Anoop Jacob (Jacob) of Kerala Congress, elected MLA from Piravom, also demanded full tenure in the government. Kerala Congress leader PJ Joseph has demanded two Cabinet ministers for his party, which has seven MLA candidates.

G. Anand