Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Monday played down the rumblings in ruling UDF over the number of ministerial berths claimed by IUML, the second largest partner in the Front.
"The Front is not facing any crisis over the issue. We are moving ahead with specific agenda and programmes. As announced earlier, 13 new ministers were sworn in today," Chandy told reporters after a cabinet meeting on Monday.
Asked about IUML's claim that it would have five ministers including that of Parliamentary Affairs, he said matters related to post of Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Parliamentary Affairs were under discussion among Front partners.
"A decision on these issues has not been taken...there is no confusion on the issue," he said.
"No one can create any confusion on the issue," he added. Asked whether the 20-member ministry would be expanded with the addition of one more minister, Chandy said a definite answer could be given only when discussions, which are 'progressing', were over.
As per the present agreement, IUML has four ministers in the cabinet. However, the announcement of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) chief Panakkad Syed Hyderali Thangal yesterday that his party would have five ministers triggered some problems in the Front.
Former minister Dr M K Muneer and V K Ibraim Kunju and P K Abdurabb joined the ministry as IUML nominees today. IUML State General Secretary P K Kunhalikutty took oath as minister along with Chandy on May 18.
IUML has proposed the name of Manjalamkuzhi Ali as its fifth minister.
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