Thiruvananthapuram: The dispute within the Congress over the Chief Minister’s post has now reached the streets, with workers from rival camps moving to the sidelines and the situation nearing a street fight. Following intense group clashes and differences within the party, the central observers entrusted with deciding the Chief Minister have reportedly been told to leave the final decision to the AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. With this, the pressure surrounding the Chief Minister’s selection has shifted to Delhi. Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan has also warned that if he is denied the Chief Minister’s post, he will not accept any other position.
Central observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken, along with AICC General Secretary in charge of Keralam Deepa Adas Munshi, held one-on-one meetings with MLAs at the KPCC office yesterday. Although Satheesan demanded that Deepa Adas Munshi be removed from the process, the party leadership did not yield to the demand. After a resolution was presented to the KPCC President seeking that the AICC President appoint the Chief Minister and requesting him to forward it, discussions were held with MLAs. MPs also shared their opinions with the central observers. Even though leaders were given strict instructions not to speak to the media, former KPCC K. Sudhakaran publicly stated that K.C. Venugopal was the better choice.
Protest marches and flex war
It is reported that a larger number of leaders expressed support for K.C. Venugopal during the discussions. Following this, supporters of VD Satheesan launched protest marches across the state. In Alappuzha district, flex boards supporting and opposing Venugopal appeared publicly. Workers from the K.C. faction allegedly destroyed flexes erected by Satheesan’s supporters. The central observers also held discussions with alliance partners. The Muslim League reportedly supported VD Satheesan. The RSP maintained that it had no objection to whoever was chosen, while the Kerala Congress Joseph faction reportedly said it would be better to avoid a by-election.
Meanwhile, a proposal to rotate the Chief Minister’s post every two-and-a-half years was discussed, but the idea was dropped amid concerns that such an arrangement could create serious complications if the political situation in Karnataka changes. The announcement on the Chief Minister is expected on Sunday. KPCC leaders and other senior leaders are preparing to leave for Delhi.
