However, the reaction of the other two main contenders of the CM’s post was totally different. While AICC organisation general secretary K. C. Venugopal has welcomed the decision, senior Congress leader and former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Ramesh Chennithala made no secret of his displeasure. KC, as he is known among his admirers and supporters, has promised full support to Satheesan in his efforts to form the next government in the State. As a disciplined Congressman, KC said he accepted the decision and wished Satheesan well.

On the other hand, Chennithala was quick to voice his disappointment over the decision. Chennithala said his seniority and vast administrative experience were ignored while taking the decision. Reports have it that Chennithala has left the Kerala capital, and is unlikely to attend the Congress Parliamentary Party meeting scheduled to be held at 4 p. m. in Thiruvananthapuram where the High Command’s decision will be officially announced and Satheesan elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP).

Needless to say, Chennithala’s stance is causing concern in the Congress camp. To be fair to Chennithala, his claim to the CM’s post should have been accepted. After all, he has vast administrative experience. He was also a very successful Leader of the Opposition (LoP). In fact, Satheesan was made the LoP when the Left Democratic Front (LDF) won a second consecutive term in office though Chennithala had the majority support of the elected MLAs. This is the second time Chennithala is being denied the post he richly deserves. The Congress High Command could have taken decision acceptable to all by making Chennithala the Chief Minister for the first two-and-a-half years and letting Satheesan take over for the next two-and-a-half years. That was not to be. It remains to be seen how Chennithala’s decision will impact the new Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) Government.

True, Venugopal has graciously accepted the decision. But speculation is rife that he relented after being assured the AICC president’s post while Mallikarjun Kharge vacates the office. If that is true, the High Command should similarly persuade Chennithala to accept the decision to make Satheesan the CM. Chennithala should be given a post befitting his stature. Failure to do so would spell trouble for the party in future.

Meanwhile, the Congress camp has begun the celeb rations across the State. The joy in the Congress and the party-led UDF is understandable. After all, the Congress is returning to power after being in political wilderness for 10 long years. Another poll defeat could have led to the disintegration of the UDF itself. That would have been a disaster as such a contingency would have only resulted in the BJP further firming up its presence in the State.

While both Venugopal and Chennithala were very much in the contest, what seemed to have clinched the issue in Satheesan’s favour was the firm support of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second most important partner in the UDF. IUML president Sadikali Thangal had made no secret of the party’s preference for Satheesan right from the beginning. Also, the open demonstrations in favour of Satheesan across the State must have also influenced the High Command’s decision.

Last but not the least, several senior Congress leaders, including former KPCC chiefs have backed Satheesan. Their contention was that it was Satheesan who played the main role in energizing the Congress. Besides, they also felt, that Satheesan had the popular backing as was evident from the spontaneous show of support to him throughout the State. Ignoring these Satheesan’s claims in the light of these three factors would have created problems for the smooth functioning of the new Congress-led Government.

One thing is for sure. The sailing is not going to be smooth for the Congress Chief Minister designate. He will have to tread extremely carefully both in the matter of governance and party activities. The task, no doubt, is daunting. No less important is the need for Satheesan to change his abrasive style of functioning if he is to make a mark as a successful CM. Of course, he has made the right noises by promising to work as a united team. UDF). But, as the saying goes, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. And Satheesan will have to be at his diplomatic best to succeed in his new job. Wish him all success. (IPA Service)