Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 14: Discontent is brewing within the Congress and its allies in Kerala’s ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) over Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s style of functioning, with several leaders expressing unhappiness over what they describe as key decisions being taken without wider consultations.
The resentment has surfaced as Satheesan completes six months in office on November 18. It is particularly evident among sections of the Congress, including the erstwhile A faction, which was once the dominant group under the late Oommen Chandy.
At an online meeting of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office-bearers on Friday night, some former A faction leaders openly voiced their displeasure over what they described as their continued sidelining under the new dispensation.
The immediate trigger was the delay in distributing posts in boards and corporations. Leaders complained that the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second-largest UDF ally, appeared to be receiving greater consideration than the Congress itself.
Some pointed out that even after six months of the UDF government, the Congress was yet to finalise its nominees and was instead learning about the distribution of positions from the League. They also questioned why CPI(M) leaders continued to occupy positions in various boards and corporations despite the change of government.
The absence of a visible change at the grassroots level, they said, was adding to the frustration. Complaints were also raised that district leaders were not being informed about ministerial visits to their respective areas.
The discontent is not limited to the Congress. The Kerala Congress (Joseph) and the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) have also publicly expressed displeasure over what they consider inadequate recognition in the new government.
UDF convenor and Congress MP Adoor Prakash has already raised concerns over decisions being taken without consulting alliance partners.
The developments have highlighted the contrast between Satheesan’s repeated pre-election assertion that the UDF would function as a team and the present complaints that he is taking decisions independently, with the IUML emerging as his principal partner in key discussions.
The selection of the next Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president has also become a point of contention, as incumbent Sunny Joseph is now serving as a minister. Differences have emerged over his successor, with Satheesan keen to have a decisive say in the selection.
Meanwhile, the A faction has decided to revive its organisational activities and push for representation in important party discussions, making it clear that it is unwilling to accept continued neglect in the distribution of positions.
The A faction, traditionally associated with A.K. Antony and led by the late Oommen Chandy, was once the dominant group in the Kerala unit of the Congress.