The Congress has disputed Natesan’s allegations about a power struggle for the chief ministerial post in the party

On Sunday (December 22, 2024), the Congress sought to dismiss Sri Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yoga (SNDP) general secretary Vellapalli Natesan’s allegations that the party’s top leaders were involved in a behind-the-scenes power struggle for the possible post of Chief Minister. Assembly elections of 2026.

Mr. Natesan stirred the pot last week by suggesting that Congress Working Committee (CWC) member and former Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala was best suited for the post over other “rival” party leaders, including Leader of Opposition VD Sathisan.

Speaking to reporters at the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) in Kannur, President K. Sudhakaran said that Mr. Natesan was entitled to his opinion like any other social leader.

However, he said that the Congress is capable of selecting the chief ministerial candidate when the time comes. The Congress has leaders, including Mr. Chennithala, who were perfectly suited for the top post.

“Earlier, the Congress made Karunakaran the chief minister when they had equally capable leaders, including AK Antony and Vaylar Ravi,” he added.

However, Mr. Sudhakaran strongly objected to Mr. Natesan’s alleged statement that Mr. Satisan was a powerful evildoer.

“He (Mr Natesan) should not have said that. However, we cannot dictate his speech. Mr. Satheesan has earned his reputation as an experienced MLA, steadfast political campaigner and Leader of the Opposition”, said Mr. Sudhakaran.

Mr. Natesan’s comments seem to have assumed some political significance after the influential Nair Seva Samaj (NSS) invited Mr. Chennithala to deliver the keynote address at the Mannam Jayanti function held at the social organization’s headquarters at Perunna in Kottayam district.

Mr. Chennithala’s relationship with the NSS leadership appeared to be frosty after the former publicly objected to allegations that his inclusion in the Oommen Chandy cabinet as Home Minister was ensured at the urging of social organisations. Mr. Chennithala clearly objected to being tied to one caste group or another.

At a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary KC Venugopal, MP, fielded questions from journalists about the “new political import” of the NSS’s “olive branch” to Mr. Chennithala.

He said that there is an organization including the Congress. It was a huge tent that could accommodate all social, cultural and religious organizations. Therefore, Mr. Venugopal suggested that reading any hidden meanings into the development was predictable.

Mr. Satheesan had raised the ire of the NSS and SNDP by arguing that politics is not just about relying on the willpower of the leaders of social organizations.

Speaking to reporters in Ernakulam, Mr. Satheesan said he did not change his political line at the drop of a hat. “There is nothing in me. That’s why they harp on about my body language. I have always admired NSS’ staunchly secular stance,” he added.

Mr. Chennithala told reporters at Sabarimala that he has strong ties with various social and religious organizations, including the respective leadership.

“Mr. Nateson and I go way back. Mr. Natesan has said some nice things about me. Social leaders have the right to express their views. It is not my job to fight their views,” he added.