CM race escalates; M K Raghavan lashes out at leadership, even departments and official car numbers allocated

NEW DELHI: The fight over the chief minister’s post in the Congress has reached a new level even as the ballot boxes from the Kerala Assembly elections remain unopened. The latest development is a sharp attack by M K Raghavan against the state Congress leadership. Speaking to the media in Delhi, he said the decision against MPs contesting polls was not taken by the high command, but is the stubbornness of certain leaders.

‘The high command had never said that MPs should not contest. It was due to the insistence of some leaders. No one should put the blame onto the high command. On what basis did Sunny Joseph say MPs should not contest? A leader had asked me to contest. It was a seat where defeat was likely. Fights before getting a majority will not help. How will we move forward after coming to power? Discussing the chief minister’s post before vote counting is not appropriate. Such actions will demoralize party workers. It was the statement of Muhammed Shiyas that triggered the controversy over the chief minister’s post. What right does he have to make such a statement? I will reveal certain things at the appropriate time,’ said Raghavan.

The Muslim League leadership is also reportedly unhappy with the developments in the Congress over the chief ministerial race. The general view within the party is that the UDF is becoming a subject of ridicule among the public. If Congress leaders continue making public statements, there may be a move to seek intervention from the high command. The League has decided not to take sides in the issue and will respond only if the Congress seeks its opinion after securing a majority.

The Congress high command is also reportedly displeased with the internal tussle over the chief minister’s post even before vote counting. The names of prominent leaders V D Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and K C Venugopal are being heard. Supporters of these leaders are clashing intensely on social media. While some have gone as far as forming a cabinet and assigning portfolios, others have even allocated official car numbers along with departments.

Some Congress leaders have remarked that the party and the UDF have never faced such an embarrassing situation before, and that the present controversies show how far individuals are willing to go for power. They have also expressed deep concern over the party’s present manner.