Congress in Kerala: Infighting Shadows Chief Minister Appointment

The BJP criticized Congress for appointing V D Satheesan as Kerala chief minister, claiming it exposes infighting and hints at a 'remote-controlled' government. The decision, announced by AICC in Delhi, faced allegations of influence by Priyanka Gandhi and pressure from alliance partners, signaling potential internal conflicts in Congress.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken aim at Congress following the announcement of V D Satheesan as Kerala’s new chief minister. The decision has been labeled by the BJP as an illustration of internal strife within Congress, signifying a 'remote-controlled' governance mode.

Congress announced Satheesan's leadership at a press conference led by AICC Kerala in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi and central observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik. The BJP alleges the determination of Kerala's chief ministerial face happened in New Delhi, not in the state, further claiming pressure from Priyanka Gandhi swayed the decision against Rahul Gandhi's preference, K C Venugopal.

Poonawalla's statements add that the choice resulted from internal disagreements and external pressures from alliance partners. Evoking comparisons with Congress governments in states like Karnataka, where factional conflict persisted, he suggested Kerala might face similar instability due to this appointment.