Discussions over the non-representation of Kozhikode district in the V.D. Satheesan Cabinet are continuing on online and offline platforms.

Both Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) workers are reportedly unhappy about avoiding the 12 MLAs who were elected under the United Democratic Front (UDF) banner from the district. Heated discussions on this were seen on social media platforms for the past few days. Black flags and posters were noticed outside League House, the IUML State committee office in Kozhikode, on Monday (May 18). They were removed later.

It was also reported that a section of Muslim Youth League activists has conveyed their displeasure over not including Parakkal Abdulla, MLA-elect from Kuttiyadi, in the Cabinet. Mr. Abdulla is scheduled to get a ministerial berth only after the next two-and-a-half years. The Indian National Trade Union Congress, the trade union wing of the Congress, has also objected to the non-inclusion of party representatives from the district.

Meanwhile, a Congress insider, who did not wish to be quoted, told The Hindu that K. Jayanth, MLA-elect from Kozhikode North, was almost a sure bet during the initial discussions for Cabinet formation, along with Chandy Oommen (Puthuppally). “However, after Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan strongly stood for Roji M. John, MLA-elect from Angamaly, Mr. Oommen’s chances were eliminated. Thereafter, the party wanted to ensure youth representation and chose O.J. Janeesh, MLA-elect from Kodungallur. Since Mr. Jayanth and Mr. Janeesh belonged to the same community, the former had to be excluded,” he said.

The other MLAs-elect, K.M. Abhijith, K. Praveenkumar, Vidya Balakrishnan, and V.T. Sooraj were not considered because of community and seniority considerations, the Congress insider added. It is also learnt that Mr. Abdulla’s name was not part of the discussions as a representative from Kozhikode for a while because it was almost sure that Mr. Jayanth would be part of the Cabinet. However, since both of them turned out to be out of the final list, the IUML had to opt for a “term basis” to accommodate him.

However, a section of UDF supporters were seen questioning the fairness of the process. Though the front had been able to bag 12 of the 13 seats in a Left stronghold district like Kozhikode, it had no Ministers. In Malappuram, where the UDF is relatively on a stronger footing thanks to the IUML’s organisational prowess, the electoral contest was comparatively easy. However, the district has four Ministers now.

Meanwhile, another section of UDF leaders claimed that the developmental concerns and aspirations of Kozhikode would not be affected because of the current situation. “The Cabinet will, anyway, appoint a Minister in-charge for the district, who will handle the affairs accordingly,” they added.