KPCC head Chennithala raises banner of 'revolt' against Oommen Chandy

KOCHI: Factional feuds in the ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front in the state has taken a turn for the worse with the rift between KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala and chief minister Oommen Chandy coming out in the open.

A day after talks between the two over a cabinet reshuffle failed to reach an agreement, Chennithala-—who was set to join the government— has reportedly said the “chief minister can go his way, I will go my way”.

Chennithala has also reportedly said some of the colleagues in the party had insulted him by making statements that suggested that he was after “power and position”. Congress leader K Sudhakaran has in the meanwhile said Chennithala has not given a statement to the media against the chief minister.

Chennithala has been at the helm of Congress party in the state for the past eight years. The rift between him and Chandy has come out into the open after a combination of group infighting and coalition politics posed hurdles for Chennithala’s entry into the ministry.

Though Chennithala’s supporters wanted him to join as the No 2 in the government, Chennithala himself was not happy with the way discussions with the chief minister have been progressing.

Chennithala was invited to the ministry by a group of Congress men close to the chief minister. But there are conflicting reports about the portfolio offered to him. On Wednesday, there were hectic efforts from Chandy’s side to patch up the differences.

Adding to Chennithala’s woes, the Kerala Congress (B) staked claim for a ministerial berth for the former minister KB Ganesh Kumar, who resigned due to allegations of domestic violence filed against him by his wife Yamini Thankachi.

Meanwhile, Chandy says he is not prepared for a public debate on issues raised by Chennithala. “I am not prepared for a public debate. If there are issues they will be sorted out through talks at the stat e level or discussions involving central leadership,” he said. “I would not be part of any move to humiliate any Congress leader,” Chandy said when his comment was sought on the ruffled feelings of Chennithala.