Chennithala's cabinet entry unresolved

The entry of state Congress president Ramesh Chennithala into the cabinet of Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy continues to hang fire even as the two met late Wednesday night.

Emerging from the meeting held in the presence of United Democratic Front convenor P.P. Thankachen, Chandy said he ha briefed the state president on his talks with the party high command early this week.

Faced with a volley of question on whether Chennithala had agreed to be part of his cabinet, Chandy just flashed his characteristic smile and drove away from the party headquarters.

The waiting media got around Thankachen and he said he had nothing to add to what Chandy had said, while Chennithala drove away without saying a word.

The current impasse arose as Chennithala is expected to demit office as the state Congress party chief on completing eight years in the post.

While the Chennithala faction is adamant that he be given the home portfolio, Chandy's aides are unwilling to part with it, which in the past has always being held with the chief minster or with his trusted aide.

According to party sources, Chandy is willing to give Chennithala the revenue and forest portfolios.