Venugopal gets emotional as Satheesan arrives to hero’s welcome

KOCHI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan was accorded a resounding reception upon his first arrival in Kochi following the official leadership announcement. A massive turnout of party workers and supporters gathered at the Kochi International Airport to greet the incoming leader. Chanting slogans, the enthusiastic crowd swelled to a point where security personnel faced a tough time escorting Satheesan safely to his vehicle.

Concurrently, a similarly high-profile reception was organised in the state capital for AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal. Senior leaders, including KPCC President Sunny Joseph, former minister V.S. Sivakumar, and newly elected MLA P.C. Vishnunath, were present at the Thiruvananthapuram airport to receive him amidst passionate slogan-shouting by party loyalists.

Speaking to reporters outside the terminal, an emotional Venugopal dismissed speculations regarding internal rifts within the party. "There is no such thing as a 'KC faction.' Haven't you torn me to pieces enough?" he asked, adding that abiding by the High Command's final verdict is the bounden duty of every Congress worker. Venugopal also confirmed that he would be actively participating in the upcoming cabinet formation deliberations, promising a lineup of competent ministers for the state.

Notably, Venugopal's name was a frontrunner during the high-stakes deliberations for the Chief Minister's post. While a majority of the newly elected MLAs reportedly backed Venugopal for the top job, the Congress High Command ultimately favoured V.D. Satheesan, weighing heavily in favour of the prevailing public sentiment.