A day after V.D. Satheesan was named Kerala's Chief Minister-designate, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala—who had previously expressed displeasure with the high command's decision—made his first public statement early Friday morning.
Welcoming the high command's choice in a notable shift in tone, Chennithala pledged his full support to Satheesan. He seemed to have shifted his stance to prevent a deeper factional rift within the UDF.
"I believe V.D. Satheesan will have the full support of Congress and UDF workers. I also believe full support will be given to him to liberate the public from 10 years of LDF rule," said Chennithala while speaking to the media.
Chennithala, along with K.C. Venugopal, was in the race to become the Kerala CM. There were reports that Chennithala, who had administrative seniority over the two contenders for the post, was unhappy that Satheesan offered the top post.
Reportedly, Chennithala had written to the LoP Rahul Gandhi that he would not participate in the CLP meeting but would fully support Satheesan. According to Onmanorama, efforts are also underway at the high command level to Chennithala regarding his role in the new government.
There is uncertainty over whether Chennithala will accept a ministerial position or insist on positions for his supporters. If that happens, the high command may once again have to step in to resolve disputes.
In the 21-member cabinet, the Congress is likely to have 11 ministers. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is likely to get four ministerial berths, Kerala Congress two and the remaining parties one each.
Discussions on cabinet formation will begin on Friday under the leadership of Deepa Dasmunsi, the AICC General Secretary in charge of Kerala.
