Thiruvananthapuram, May 16 -- Intense backroom negotiations within the Congress entered a decisive phase today with strong indications emerging that senior leader Ramesh Chennithala will be entrusted with the powerful Home and Vigilance portfolios in the new United Democratic Front (UDF) government led by Chief Minister-designate V. D. Satheesan.
The move is widely seen as part of a broader effort to resolve internal differences in the party and ensure a smooth formation of the new ministry ahead of Monday's swearing-in ceremony.
The high-level discussions come amid hectic bargaining over Cabinet positions, portfolio allocation and community representation, with both senior leaders and younger faces lobbying for inclusion in what is expec...