Ramesh Chennithala upset after missing CM post, maintains silence

GURUVAYUR: Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has expressed disappointment after being overlooked for the Chief Minister’s post, despite reportedly remaining hopeful until the final moments of the decision-making process. Indications suggest that Chennithala has conveyed his dissatisfaction to Rahul Gandhi. Chennithala did not attend the Congress Parliamentary Party meeting where V D Satheesan was chosen as the new Chief Minister. However, he submitted a letter extending his support to Satheesan. He later travelled to the Guruvayur Temple for a temple visit.

Upon his arrival at Sreevalsam Guest House in Guruvayur, media persons sought his reaction to the high command's decision, but he chose not to respond. When reporters asked whether he wished to congratulate the new Chief Minister, Chennithala simply smiled and walked into his room without making any comments.

According to party sources, Chennithala is certain to be offered an important position in the new cabinet, but the key question remains whether he will be willing to accept it. Reports suggest that he is uncomfortable with the prospect of working under a Chief Minister considered junior to him in the party hierarchy. It is also learnt that he has privately told close associates that he may stay out of the cabinet.

Congress leaders believe excluding Chennithala from the ministry could disappoint a large section of party workers and senior leaders who strongly supported his candidature. At present, leaders feel there are limited practical alternatives apart from persuading him to remain actively involved in the government and party affairs. Party insiders say Satheesan himself may have to take the initiative to bring Chennithala back into confidence.

From early morning, a large crowd, including MLAs and party workers, gathered outside Chennithala’s residence at Vazhuthacaud in Thiruvananthapuram. Supporters in the Chennithala camp had remained hopeful that the Congress high command would favour him for the Chief Minister’s post, considering his seniority and experience as a former minister and senior party leader.

Even as discussions intensified on social media regarding the leadership issue, Chennithala maintained complete silence in public. There are also reports that Rahul Gandhi personally contacted him before the official announcement in an effort to pacify him.