THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: VD Satheesan's entry into the leadership of the opposition is a sign of the liberation of state Congress from the clutches of group politics. The Oommen Chandy-Ramesh Chennithala axis, which has been leading the A and I groups for a decade and a half, is almost over. A change is soon expected in the posts of KPCC president and UDF convener as well.

The High Command trusted Satheesan despite the last-minute pressure tactics of Oommen Chandy and Ramesh Chennuthala. The meetings by High Command observers Mallikarjun Kharge and V. Vaithilingam with MLAs and MPs before the Assembly meeting to elect the leader of the opposition were crucial. Out of 21 MLAs, 11 came forward to support Satheesan. Two of the remaining said they would accept the High Command's position.

According to group managers, 12 of the 21 MLAs belong to I Group while 9 belong to A Group.

Shortly before the High Command delegation met, Group A led by Oommen Chandy had decided to support Chennithala. Accordingly, all the MLAs were to support Chennithala. However, when VD Satheesan came forward to contest, several MLAs decided to set aside their group differences and support Satheesan.

Protesting against the decision to support Ramesh Chennithala, Group A's strongmen Thiruvanchoor and PT Thomas asked the High Command representatives to consider them for the post of leader of opposition. Out of 15 Lok Sabha MPs, 14 supported Satheesan.

The announcement came three days after the High Command delegation returned to Delhi. Last night too, Kharge was instructed to formulate a new strategy by retaining Ramesh Chennithala as the Leader of the Opposition while naming Oommen Chandy as KPCC President.

After seeking Rahul Gandhi's opinion, the Congress president consulted some senior Congress leaders in Kerala before appointing Satheesann as leader of the opposition.