The swearing-in of Kerala Congress (Jacob) leader Anoop Jacob as Minister in the Oommen Chandy Cabinet will take place early next week irrespective of the outcome of the Congress discussions in New Delhi regarding the IUML's fifth berth in the Cabinet.
If the Congress high command agrees to the IUML's demand, as it is expected, then the IUML's Manjalamkuzhi Ali would also line up along with Mr. Anoop Jacob for the swearing-in ceremony, most probably on Monday.
According to reliable Congress sources, the KPCC's Political Affairs Committee meeting took the view that the swearing-in of the Kerala Congress (Jacob) Minister and that of the IUML's Minister should be delinked. The two issues are different, because Mr. Anoop Jacob would be coming in to fill the vacancy caused by his father's death, while the IUML's Minister would be a new entrant. Congress leaders do not expect any hitch in taking a decision in favour of the IUML, but in case there is any further delay in the matter, the general view is to go head with Mr. Anoop Jacob's swearing in ceremony. This has been more or less finalised, a senior UDF leader said.
