Political Chess: Kerala's Leadership Tug of War

Vellappally Natesan, SNDP Yogam leader, criticizes Congress's early debates on Kerala's chief minister candidate, stressing such discussions should occur post-election results. He acknowledges internal power struggles within Congress, highlighting the ambitions of leaders like Ramesh Chennithala and K Sudhakaran, emphasizing Congress's cyclical nature of unity and division.

Vellappally Natesan, a prominent SNDP Yogam leader, has expressed disapproval over Congress's internal discussions on the possible chief minister candidate for Kerala. He emphasized that these deliberations are premature and should be reserved for after election outcomes are declared.

Speaking to reporters, Natesan pointed out that if the Left Democratic Front (LDF) returns to power, such debate within Congress would be considered inappropriate. He attributes the internal power struggle to the ambitions of notable leaders like Ramesh Chennithala and K Sudhakaran, acknowledging it as part of Congress's political culture.

Natesan also mentioned that despite their differences, Congress leaders tend to unite post-election, only to be divided later by their quest for power. He credited K C Venugopal for managing Congress's pre-election strategies effectively, while foreseeing no diminishment in Ramesh Chennithala's influence amid ongoing leadership disputes.

(With inputs from agencies.)