A day ahead of the United Democratic Front's cabinet expansion, the Indian Union Muslim League landed the coalition leader Congress in a fix by unilaterally announcing the name of a fifth minister though the party was allotted only four.
After announcing the names of Mr Ibrahim Kunju, Mr M.K. Muneer and Mr P.K. Abdu Rabb at a press conference here on Sunday, the IUML president Panakkad Hyderali Shihab Thangal also read out Mr Manjalamkuzhi Ali's name for the parliamentary affairs portfolio.
He, however, said that the final decision on the parliamentary affairs minister would be taken after consultations with the UDF leadership.
When asked about the unilateral announcement, the IUML general secretary, Mr Kunhalikkutty said: "The decision on speaker and deputy speaker is yet to be taken. Since parliamentary affairs portfolio is also related to assembly a decision on this would be also be taken after May 23. We have only announced party decision to give the portfolio to Mr Ali."
Malappuram gets five ministers
Malappuram has managed to get five ministers in the United Democratic Front cabinet with the Indian Union Muslim League on Sunday announcing the names of Mr P.K. Abdurabb from Tirurangadi and Mr Manjalamkuzhi Ali from Perinthalamanna as its ministers.
The IUML state general secretary, Mr P.K. Kunhalikkutty, who represents Vengara constituency, has already assumed charge as minister last week.
Further, the Congress has chosen the veteran leader, Mr Aryadan Mohammed, and Mr A.P. Anilkumar, from the district as the ministers.
It is for the first time that Mr Abdurabb, son of the former minister, Mr Avukader kutty Naha, finds a berth in the cabinet.
There have been reports that Mr Ali, who won the prestigious battle against the sitting MLA of Perinthalmanna, Mr V. Sasikumar, had been offered a ministership as reward for quitting the Left Democratic Front camp and joining the IUML.
Mr Ali, who had won with LDF support in the last election, joined the IUML following the strained relationship with the CPI(M) in Mankada.
Mr Abdusamad Samadani who won from Kottakkal constituency, the MLA of Manjeri , Mr M. Ummar, Mr K.N.A. Khader, who was elected from Vallikkunnu and Mr T.A. Ahammed Kabeer of Mankada constituency also were actively considered for cabinet posts.