Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala Congress (Jacob) chief Anoop Jacob on Friday said that alliance partners in the UDF expect representation in the state Cabinet as discussions on its formation are set to begin.
Kerala Congress (Jacob) contested only the Piravom constituency, with Jacob emerging as the party's sole MLA.
Speaking to reporters, Jacob, son of former minister T M Jacob, said talks on sharing Cabinet berths would commence at the UDF meeting scheduled for Friday evening.
"The discussion on ministers will come up during the UDF meeting to be held at 4 pm. As of now, we are only starting the discussions," he said.
When asked whether a 2.5-year rotational arrangement for ministerial berths was being considered, he said such discussions had not begun.
"We expect that all will have representation. How it will happen will be discussed. Everyone will have representation, and it is the usual practice. We have enough time for it," he said.
Jacob, who served as Civil Supplies Minister from 2016 to 2021 in the Oommen Chandy government, said it was too early to talk about portfolios.
"The Congress party has clarity about the allocation of portfolios. They will first decide and convey their decision at the UDF meeting. The discussion over it is going to happen, and it is not the right time to speak about it," he said.
He said a prolonged discussion over ministerial positions may not be necessary, as a consensus could be reached without delay.
On Congress leader V D Satheesan being selected as the next Chief Minister of Kerala, Jacob said he was happy with the decision and welcomed it.
"All desired this decision. The decision of the Congress high command has to be accepted, and it is welcomed by all," he said.
The UDF won 102 out of 140 seats in the recent Assembly election.
