Congress Cabinet Shuffle: Muraleedharan Backs Chennithala's Inclusion

Senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan expressed support for including Ramesh Chennithala in the Cabinet, emphasizing ongoing discussions within the party leadership. Chennithala, who was previously in contention for the Kerala chief minister position, has consistently abided by the directives of the high command, according to Muraleedharan.

Muraleedharan noted public and party member support for current chief minister V D Satheesan, selected after consultations with Congress MLAs, MPs, and senior leaders. The decision reflects public sentiment and internal agreement, he stated, while dismissing allegations of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) pressure as narrative spun by opposition CPI(M).

Murmurs of dissatisfaction within the Congress are handled through democratic processes, Muraleedharan highlighted, with the party high command making final decisions. He foresaw Pinarayi Vijayan, if becoming Leader of the Opposition, as a beneficial adversary for the United Democratic Front (UDF), expecting Congress to strengthen its position in forthcoming elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)