As the United Democratic Front begins the process of forming its new cabinet after the 2026 elections, attention has now shifted to Kottayam district and its positioning in the evolving power-sharing equation.

Early indications suggest that Kottayam could be rewarded with as many as four ministerial berths with the names of senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Puthuppally MLA Chandy Oommen, Kerala Congress (Joseph) leader Mons Joseph from Kaduthuruthy, and Pala MLA Mani C. Kappen doing the rounds

Among them, Mr. Radhakrishnan appears to be the most secure bet for a Cabinet berth. A seasoned hand with prior experience in handling key portfolios in earlier UDF governments, he is also being projected in some quarters as a possible Speaker candidate.

Mr. Oommen, meanwhile, enters the frame with a different kind of political capital. His record-breaking majority and the legacy of his father, former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, have strengthened his visibility within the party.

“His elevation to the cabinet is not a foregone conclusion, with Congress internal calculations suggesting that the party may be constrained to around 12 ministerial posts Statewide. This makes a second berth from Kottayam a sensitive call.’’, noted a senior Congress leader.

Within the coalition partners, Mr. Mons Joseph has emerged as the near-confirmed entrant from Kerala Congress (Joseph). As the senior-most leader of his party and now its parliamentary party leader, his position in the cabinet appears all but sealed. His elevation was formally endorsed in a meeting held at party chairman P. J. Joseph’s residence in Thodupuzha the other day.

The most uncertain case remains that of Mani C. Kappen. Despite his electoral success and strong local presence in Pala, his entry into the ministry hinges on whether the UDF decides to accommodate smaller allies with single-MLA representation. His inclusion was earlier hinted at during the campaign trail, with Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan assuring that Kappen would be part of the Cabinet if the alliance returned to power.

The district’s nine-out-of-nine clean sweep is being projected as a defining contribution to the UDF’s victory, in turn, strengthening its claim for higher representation in the Cabinet. The district also held significant sway in the previous Cabinets formed by the Congress-led coalition, with leaders holding key portfolios such as finance, home and revenue.