Congress infighting over Kerala CM post expected, says CPI(M) leader M V Govindan

CPIM state secretary M V Govindan on Saturday said infighting within the Congress over the Chief Ministers post in Kerala was expected. Asked about the LDFs decision on the next Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, Govindan did not give a clear response.

CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan on Saturday said infighting within the Congress over the Chief Minister's post in Kerala was expected. Speaking to reporters, Govindan said everyone had realised that factionalism within the Congress had intensified. He was referring to the ongoing debates among supporters of Congress leaders V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala, who are considered contenders for the next Kerala Chief Minister's post. ''Kerala's political picture is that three persons are making strong preparations to become the Chief Minister. We have seen the infighting in the Congress, which has now intensified,'' he said. Asked about the LDF's decision on the next Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, Govindan did not give a clear response. ''That will be decided soon,'' he said. The LDF suffered a massive defeat in the Assembly elections, winning only 35 seats, while the UDF secured victory in 102 of the 140 constituencies. The BJP won three seats in the election. The decision on the next Kerala Chief Minister is expected to be taken soon by the Congress high command as discussions continue in New Delhi.