THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala tacitly showed his displeasure over the ‘snub’ shown by the congress leadership in the current working committee reorganization. His mannerism and talks in the Puthuppally by-election campaign was chock full of resentment and it was well evident for anyone with a basic idea of contemporary politics.

However, according to the High command, the talks of Ramesh being snubbed are baseless. Congress leadership offered their explanation for the sudden quagmire as they said there had to be a limit for selecting leaders as per community preference. Ramesh Chennithala’s name in the permanent invitee list is raised as proof of the leader being considered by the top echelons of the party. To alleviate tension, there are chances that Ramesh will be offered a new charge in the state of Maharashtra.

A permanent invitee does not have voting rights in the working committee. Ramesh was also an invitee in 2004. In his later years, he became KPCC President and Leader of the Opposition. Chennithala responded that he is only focused on the Puthuppally by-election and told reporters that he will say what needs to be said after September 6th. However, it is viewed that the leader considers the permanent invitee post as a demotion in ranks.

After the reorganization of the working committee, no one from the AICC leadership contacted Chennithala. When some top leaders of the state contacted him, his reply was curt and he never admitted to feeling snubbed. Sources close to him indicate that Chennithala is not interested in taking charge of any other state including Maharashtra. He is aiming to cement presence in Kerala.

Chennithala, who was removed from the position of Leader of the Opposition in 2021, was lost on track and was seldom seen on TV channels. Many within Congress think the leader was humiliated and sidelined after his fall from the ranks in 2021.