The proximate cause of the crisis is the demand by Congress ally, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), for a fifth minister. The IUML compounded its offence by making a unilateral announcement of the name of the fifth minister and even his portfolio!

To add insult to injury, the IUML leadership also trifurcated the Local Self-Government Department under its control into three without having the matter discussed in the UDF coordination committee meeting. All this was announced by IUML’s supreme leader and president Syed Hyderali Shihab Thangal. The calculation of IUML general secretary P K Kunhalikutty, who is the brain behind the move, is that the Congress will find it difficult to say No to Thangal.

But Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has ruled out a fifth minister for the IUML, sending that party’s leadership into a tizzy. The Congress has offered the chief whip’s post with cabinet rank to the IUML. But it will not be easy for Thangal to go back on his announcement as any such climbdown will be seen as an erosion of his authority.

If the Congress concedes the demand of the IUML which has already been given four ministerial berths, the Kerala Congress (Mani), another ally will also insist on an additional ministerial berth besides the two it now has.

The Congress leadership is under pressure from party MLAs who say the IUML move is a blatant violation of the coalition dharma. If the Congress gives in to such pressure tactics, it will have to bow to such pressure in future as well. Announcement of the portfolios is the prerogative of the Chief Minister. By making the unilateral announcement, the IUML has encroached on the privilege of the CM, which does not augur well for the cohesion and stability of the UDF ministry, they feel.

Besides the IUML, the KC(M) is bent on securing an additional ministerial berth. If that is not possible the KC(M) says it should be given the Speaker’s post. But the Congress is unlikely to oblige the KC(M) in this regard.

It remains to be seen how the Congress leadership resolves the crisis. A solution will not be easy as the allies have hardened their position. (IPA)