It may be mentioned that the infamous espionage case had resulted in the resignation of the then Chief Minister late K Karunakaran in the 1990s.

By rejecting Muraleedharan’s demand, the Chief Minister has exposed himself to the allegation that he is scared of a probe, which could open a can of worms and trigger a sharp spike in factionalism, already rampant in the state unit of the party. But if Chandy thinks that the issue would die a natural death in the wake of the state Cabinet’s decision against a probe, he is mistaken. If anything, it can only strengthen the resolve of leaders who feel that the late Karunakaran had been falsely implicated in the case.

Muraleedharan, who is extremely unhappy about the decision, has already hinted that he would go to any extent to have these officers punished. With the CM saying No to his demand, Muraleedharan has no other option but to seek legal redress in the sensitive case.

Oommen Chandy’s stance has understandably evoked a sharp reaction not only from Congress leaders who belong to the rival group led by KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala but also others. Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister M M Jacob has deplored Chandy’s decision. So has Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Mullappally Ramachandran. Another prominent Congress leader and a former minister in the earlier Oommen Chandy Government, K K Ramachandran Master, has also strongly criticised the CM’s decision in the matter.

Muraleedharan’s stand that his father, who was a victim of the conspiracy launched by a section of Congress leaders within the Kerala unit, should get justice, has received enthusiastic support from his sister, Padmaja Venugopal and other Karunakaran loyalists. And their decision to explore the legal option portends big trouble for the embattled Chief Minister.

Indications are that a protracted legal battle is ahead, with unpredictable consequences for the faction-ridden Congress in the state. It remains to be seen what stand the Congress high command will take in the sensitive matter. It could also put a question mark on Oommen Chandy’s leadership, already under attack from various sections of Congress leaders who are unhappy about his style of functioning.

Troubled days are ahead for the Congress in Kerala. (IPA)