'No compromise', Satheesan toughens stance, demands CM post

THIRUVANNTHAPURAM: The Congress high command’s decision on the next Chief Minister of Kerala has become more crucial after V D Satheesan informed AICC observers that he is not interested in accepting any post other than Chief Minister. Sources said he conveyed this position during discussions with the party observers on Thursday.

AICC observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken, who held meetings with newly elected MLAs and leaders of alliance parties, are expected to submit their report today. After reviewing the report, the Congress high command is likely to announce the Chief Minister either on Saturday or Sunday. Before the final decision, Ramesh Chennithala, V D Satheesan, and KPCC president Sunny Joseph are expected to be called to Delhi. The leadership is also likely to seek the opinion of senior Congress leader A K Antony. The swearing-in ceremony is being planned for Monday.

Among the 63 Congress MLAs, the camp supporting K C Venugopal claims that more than 25 legislators are backing him. Supporters of Ramesh Chennithala say they have the backing of 23 MLAs. Though the Satheesan camp did not reveal exact numbers, they claimed that many senior MLAs and a large section of young legislators proposed his name. First-time MLAs reportedly maintained that they would stand by whatever decision the high command takes.

The discussions with MLAs began at 11 am, with each legislator being given a maximum of two minutes to speak. Some MLAs also submitted written notes. Chennithala, Satheesan, and Sunny Joseph separately met the observers at the Taj Vivanta hotel. While Chennithala highlighted his seniority and support within the party, Satheesan reportedly urged the leadership to respect the sentiment among party workers.

Meanwhile, the Congress Parliamentary Party meeting passed a resolution authorising the AICC leadership to take the final decision on the Chief Minister.

Supporters of Satheesan held demonstrations in Ernakulam, Kozhikode, and Kannur districts. In Alappuzha, banners both supporting and opposing K C Venugopal appeared. Former KPCC president K Sudhakaran, who returned to support K C Venugopal, remarked sarcastically that the Congress has “not one but many Satheesans.”

K C-Chennithala understanding formula? A P Anilkumar, who is backing K C Venugopal, met Ramesh Chennithala late Thursday night. Political observers believe this could be part of efforts to reach a compromise between the two camps. One possible formula being discussed is a rotational Chief Ministership for K C Venugopal and Chennithala, while Satheesan could be given a major portfolio in the Cabinet. At the same time, leaders of alliance parties also met Satheesan at the Cantonment House.

League and Kerala Congress back Satheesan The Muslim League and Kerala Congress reportedly supported Satheesan’s candidature. Other alliance partners are believed to prefer either Satheesan or Chennithala. The Kerala Congress also reportedly argued that the Chief Minister should be a sitting MLA. Leaders of smaller alliance parties and the KDP leadership also met the observers. They reportedly warned that the public fight over the Chief Minister post could create a negative image among voters. Alliance leaders also expressed concern that choosing a non-MLA leader could lead to an unnecessary by-election.

Ball in Delhi court 1. If the high command becomes convinced that K C Venugopal has the support of a majority of MLAs, it may not consider any alternative option. 2. Since the Congress has a strong influence with 63 seats, the pressure tactics of alliance partners may not have a major impact on the final decision. 3. It remains to be seen whether Satheesan will take a tougher stand if he is denied consideration for the Chief Minister’s post.