'Powerful second in command'; Ramesh Chennithala bags Home Affairs and Vigilance

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite his Chief Minister ambition hitting a roadblock, Ramesh Chennithala will remain the second most powerful man in the cabinet after securing the coveted Home and Vigilance portfolios. The high command assessed that it would be detrimental for the party if Chennithala decides not to join the cabinet. It is reported that the high command told Ramesh of the decision when VD Satheesan was selected as the chief minister.

It was generally believed that V.D. Satheesan, the designated Chief Minister, would also hold the Home Ministry. However, K.C. Venugopal and Deepa Dasmunsi took a stance in favour of Chennithala. The senior leader criteria and Ramesh’s administrative experience proved beneficial. The high command also instructed V.D. Satheesan to inform Ramesh of the decision to give the Home Ministry. Thus, Satheesan visited Ramesh Chennithala's house for a second time in 24 hours on Saturday.

After the meeting, V.D. Satheesan met KC Venugopal. The meeting lasted for 20 minutes. This was the first meeting between the two after Satheesan was declared the Chief Minister. After meeting the League leaders, Satheesan reached Chennithala's house. Later, K.C. Venugopal also met Chennithala.

Ramesh Chennithala was the Home and Vigilance Minister during the last UDF government since 2014. The Home Minister's post comes amid his 70th birthday on the 25th of May. Chennithala first became a member of the K. Karunakaran cabinet 40 years ago. At that time, he was the state general secretary of the Youth Congress.

Chennithala, who was the leader of the opposition during the first Pinarayi Vijayan government, had raised several allegations against the government.