Fifth cabinet berth: FM holds talks with Kunhalikutty

 Saturday, March 31, 2012: Industries Minister PK Kunhalikutty and Finance Minister, KM Mani, held discussions at the guest house here reportedly on the IUML demand for fifth ministerial post in the Oommen Chandy cabinet.
Mani later told reporters that Kerala congress (Mani), a constituent of UDF, had no objection in IUML getting a fifth ministerial berth.However, Congress has to take a decision in this regard, he said. Kunhalikutty, also senior IUML leader, refused to comment on the meeting.
IUML, the second largest partner in Congress-led UDF, has been pressing for one more berth in the Oommen Chandy cabinet apart from four slots the party already holds.
Meanwhile Chief Minister Oommen Chandy declined to comment on IUML’s demand for a fifth ministerial berth in the ruling Congress led UDF government. “The last UDF meeting had discussed the issue and UDF Convenor, PP Thankachan had briefed the media about it. I do not have anything more to add,” Chandy told reporters here when asked about the IUML statement on swearing-in of the fifth minister.
Chandy said as already stated, he and KPCC president Ramesh chennithala would discuss the issue with Congress high command.