The likely inclusions are Assembly Speaker P T R Palanivelrajan, deputy speaker Parithi Ilam Vazhuthi, former minister Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan, Anbil Poyyamozhi and Kanchana Kamalanathan.

Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has already obtained the consent of the Speaker, it is learnt. He may be given the portfolio of Hindu Religious Endowments and Charitable Organisations which is currently held by Minister for Tamil Culture Development M Tamilkudimagan.

According to supporters of Parithi Ilamvazhudi, the deputy speaker will either be made a district secretary or a minister. Anbil Poyyamozhi, a trusted lieutenant of Chennai corporation mayor M K Stalin in the party may get `co-operatives' which is currently held by Food Minister K N Nehru.

Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan may be given either of the two important portfolios of health or electricity held by Arcot N Veerasami, sources say. Thereare currently two women ministers in the Cabinet.