Despite the landslide victory of Congress in Kerala, suspense continues regarding the post of Chief Minister. Even two days after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi held a meeting with the contenders in New Delhi on Saturday, the party leadership has not been able to reach any conclusion.
Who is in the race for the post of Chief Minister?
In the race for the post of Chief Minister, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, AICC General Secretary (Organization) KC Venugopal and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly VD Satheesan are considered to be the main contenders. The party high command had separate discussions with these three leaders on Saturday. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President Sunny Joseph and General Secretary in-charge of Kerala Deepa Dasmunshi were also present in the meeting.
Decision can be taken after Kharge’s meeting with Sonia
According to sources, now the final decision can be taken after party president Kharge meets senior leader Sonia Gandhi. It is also believed within the party that the high command is waiting for the protests and poster war seen in the state last week to subside. In fact, there was an open show of strength between Satheesan and Venugopal supporters regarding the post of Chief Minister.
There is uncertainty among Congress leaders and workers
After the meeting in New Delhi, Kerala Congress leaders and Deepa Dasmunshi had jointly appealed to the workers to avoid protests and flex board campaign over the leadership dispute. Although continuous talks are going on behind the scenes, there is still uncertainty among the Congress leaders and workers of the state.
News of resentment among Congress allies also
Meanwhile, there are reports of resentment among Congress allies also. The United Democratic Front (UDF) has secured an overwhelming majority by winning 102 seats in the 140-member assembly, but despite this, allies are said to be uncomfortable with the delay in naming the Chief Minister.
What did Ramesh Chennithala say?
When questions were raised on the delay, a senior Congress leader said that the tenure of the current assembly is till May 23, so there is no need for any haste. Meanwhile, Ramesh Chennithala said on Monday that whatever decision the party high command takes regarding the post of Chief Minister, it will be accepted by all Congress and UDF workers. After returning from New Delhi, he said that we have put forward our views before the high command. Now they have to decide.
Chennithala described the delay in the decision as part of the democratic process. He said that all rounds of talks have been completed and Congress is not taking as much time as the Left Front took last time.
Countering BJP’s criticism, Chennithala said that after the Delhi Assembly elections, BJP had also taken several days to choose the Chief Minister. He sarcastically said that Congress is not a party which runs on the instructions of Nagpur.