No more fighting on street; CM to be decided soon, Sonia Gandhi to intervene

NEW DELHI: Congress leaders from Kerala were strongly criticised by Rahul Gandhi during the consensus meeting held at the residence of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge to decide the next Chief Minister of the state. Even after three hours of discussions, no consensus could be reached. However, the three leaders in contention agreed to accept whatever decision the high command takes. The Congress leadership is expected to announce the Chief Minister as soon as possible, and there will be no further discussions. Rahul Gandhi is likely to take the final decision after consulting Sonia Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi gave strict instructions to V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala to immediately stop the public power struggle and factional activities happening on the streets. He also made it clear that the Chief Minister’s announcement would come only after such activities are stopped. The leaders were also instructed to stand together before the media and declare that there are no divisions within the party and that they would respect the people’s mandate.

Following the meeting, the three leaders and KPCC president Sunny Joseph appealed to party workers to stop flex board campaigns and public demonstrations. V D Satheesan asked workers to remove all flex boards overnight and avoid holding protests anywhere. All three leaders appeared visibly upset while speaking to the media. Reports suggest that although several proposals were discussed, Rahul Gandhi did not openly support any particular leader.

Congress leader Deepa Dasmunsi told the media that Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi would take the final decision. She also said the party has time until May 23 to make the announcement.

Claims and discussions during the meeting
The meeting, which lasted from 4 pm to 7.30 pm, included separate discussions by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge with V D Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, K C Venugopal, and Sunny Joseph. Later, a joint discussion was held with observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken also participating.

The high command reportedly maintained that support from MLAs would be crucial in choosing the Chief Minister. According to party leaders, V D Satheesan may find it difficult to govern without majority support among MLAs. At the same time, there is a feeling that K C Venugopal may not get another opportunity to become Chief Minister.

The leadership is also said to be cautious about accepting support from allies such as the Muslim League, fearing it could create a wrong political precedent and become an issue in other states as well. There are also concerns about whether voters would accept K C Venugopal in a by-election after giving the UDF such a massive victory.

• Reports suggest that V D Satheesan was offered the post of Deputy Chief Minister, the Finance portfolio, and a promise of the Chief Minister’s post in the future.
• Meanwhile, Ramesh Chennithala reportedly demanded the Home portfolio if he is not given the Chief Minister’s post. However, K C Venugopal is said to have refused to give up the Home Department. Chennithala reportedly argued that this could be his last opportunity to become Chief Minister.

Mission accomplished, says V D Satheesan
After the discussions, V D Satheesan told reporters at Kerala House that his mission had been completed and that he was returning home. He said his mission was to ensure a strong majority for the party and that he had fulfilled his promise. Later in the night, V D Satheesan left for Kochi, while Sunny Joseph returned to Kannur. Ramesh Chennithala is expected to leave today morning.