UDF workers are sore about the lack of ministerial berths for Kozhikode in the state cabinet

Discussions about non-representation of Kozhikode district in VD Satheesan cabinet continue on online and offline platforms.

Workers of both the Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) are said to be unhappy with the expulsion of 12 MLAs who were elected under the United Democratic Front (UDF) banner from the district. There have been heated discussions on this topic in recent days on social networks. Black flags and posters were seen outside League House, the IUML state committee office in Kozhikode on Monday (May 18). They were later removed.

It was also reported that a section of Muslim Youth League activists expressed their displeasure over the non-inclusion of Parakkal Abdulla, the elected MLA from Kuttiyadi, in the cabinet. Mr. Abdulla is expected to get a ministerial berth only after two and a half years. The Indian National Trade Union Congress, the trade union wing of the Congress, also protested against 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, the MLA elected from Kozhikode North, was almost a sure bet during the initial discussions to form the cabinet along with Chandy Oommen (Puthuppally). “However, after Chief Minister VD Satheesan strongly stood for Roji M John, elected MLA from Angamaly, Mr. Oommen’s chances were eliminated. Then the party wanted to ensure youth representation and elected OJ Janeesh, elected MLA from Kodungallur. Since Mr. Jayanth and Mr. Janeesh belonged to the same community, they had to be expelled from the same community.

The other elected MLAs, KM Abhijith, K. Praveenkumar, Vidya Balakrishnan and VT Sooraj were not considered due to community and seniority, the Congress insider added. It was also learned that Mr. Abdulla’s name was not part of the discussions as the representative from Kozhikode for some time as it was almost certain that Mr. Jayanth would be part of the cabinet.

However, as both turned out to be off the final list, 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. Although the front managed to capture 12 out of 13 seats in a Left stronghold like Kozhikode, it had no ministers.

In Malappuram, where the UDF has a relatively stronger position due to the organizational prowess of the IUML, the electoral contest was relatively easy. However, the district now has four ministers.

Meanwhile, another section of UDF leaders claimed that the developmental concerns and aspirations of Kozhikode will not be affected given the current situation.

“In any case, the cabinet will appoint a minister in charge of the district to deal with the issues properly,” they added.

Published – 19 May 2026 20:30 IST