Chennithala Skips CLP Meet, Upset Over CM Choice
Newly elected MLA and close aide Jyothikumar Chamakkala said Chennithala had already expressed his support for the AICC decision
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ramesh Chennithala, who is reportedly unhappy after the AICC named V D Satheesan as Kerala’s Chief Minister. skipped the Congress Legislture Party (CLP) meeting in Thiruvananthapuram.
Waiting at his Thiruvananthapuram residence for the announcement, Chennithala is said to have received calls from Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge informing him of the decision in Satheesan’s favor. The 69-year-old had put himself forward for the role, citing his long experience, clean image, and strong organizational skills. Upset by the outcome, he is believed to have voiced his displeasure to the party’s top brass before slipping past the media gathered outside and heading to the Guruvayur temple.
Newly elected MLA and close aide Jyothikumar Chamakkala said Chennithala had already expressed his support for the AICC decision. “He visits Guruvayur every month, so there’s nothing unusual about his visit,” he added.
He has also submitted a letter backing Satheesan as the CLP leader.
When asked if he would join the ministry led by Satheesan, the MLA replied, “Please excuse me, I’m not the person to comment on such major issues.”
Regarding Chennithala’s reported displeasure, AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala, Deepa Dasmunshi, who arrived for the CLP meeting, said, “We were on the flight from Delhi. I’ve only just learned about the issue. We will get in touch with him and speak to him.”
Chennithala was counting on a favorable decision, backed by his extensive experience in government and organizational roles. As home minister, his firm action against the “blade mafia” moneylenders won him widespread praise. Later, as opposition leader from 2016 to 2021, he exposed numerous corruption cases involving the LDF Government.