Even a day after the VD Satheesan-led UDF ministry was sworn in, the allocation of portfolios among ministers remains unresolved. Several ministers have requested changes to their assigned departments, leading to prolonged negotiations.

A key point of contention involves the Devaswom department. Minister Anil Kumar, from the KC Venugopal faction, is seeking the Devaswom portfolio in addition to Electricity. Meanwhile, discussions are underway to placate K Muralidharan by offering Sports along with Health in exchange for relinquishing Devaswom.

The biggest flashpoint, however, is the Fisheries department. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is pushing for control of Fisheries, but faces stiff opposition from a Congress faction and the Latin Catholic Church. The League has made it clear that it will only hand over the Higher Education portfolio to Congress if it receives Fisheries in return.

Ministers K Muralidharan and CP John held a crucial meeting with the Latin Archdiocese leadership in Thiruvananthapuram. However, the Church conveyed that it would not compromise on its stance that Fisheries should be given to someone who understands the coastal community and the challenges of fishermen. Father Eugene Pereira made this position clear after the meeting.

The High Command, which took 11 days to finalise the Chief Minister candidate, is now under pressure to resolve the portfolio deadlock quickly. With administrative paralysis looming across several departments, an early resolution is critical for the smooth functioning of the government.