Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is navigating a complex political landscape as he balances the state’s finances without holding the coveted Home portfolio — a department traditionally kept by every previous CM in the state.

The Home and Vigilance departments provide the Chief Minister with real-time intelligence on developments across Kerala and leverage to influence criminal and vigilance cases. With over a dozen deals from the previous government under scrutiny, the Vigilance department is expected to play a critical role in the coming months.

Under the Rules of Business, ministers are required to inform the CM before major decisions, though this has rarely been followed in practice. For the past 10 years, the Chief Minister’s Office directly intervened in most important departmental matters, making it the effective center of power. However, with Home no longer under the CM’s control, significant changes in governance style are anticipated.

Adding to the challenge, Satheesan faces the enormous responsibility of steering the Finance Department during a period of severe financial strain. He is tasked with presenting the state budget on June 5. The CM has already immersed himself in budget preparations. Several recommendations gathered during his New India Yatra are expected to feature in the budget, alongside potential announcements including a reduction in fuel prices.

Satheesan’s relative youth and sharp memory are seen as advantages in handling these simultaneous challenges.