Congress Unveils Kerala CM Designate Amidst Party Tensions

The Congress party has appointed V D Satheesan as Kerala's chief minister-designate, a decision that has reportedly irked senior leader Ramesh Chennithala. Despite his initial displeasure, Chennithala has expressed support for Satheesan's leadership by submitting a letter cheering the selection, though tensions remain visible.

Efforts to placate Chennithala included visits from prominent Congress figures. On Friday, Satheesan personally visited Chennithala, followed by Congress general secretary Deepa Dasmunsi. When questioned, Dasmunsi emphasized coordination with all senior leaders and affirmed her visit was delayed due to Chennithala's travels.

Though the Congress finalised their leader for Kerala, the process exposed rifts within the party. Despite a strong win in the assembly elections, choosing a CM led to intense internal lobbying and protests by grassroots workers, all culminating in Satheesan's appointment on May 14.

(With inputs from agencies.)