Ramesh Chennithala Disappointed Over Kerala CM Announcement, Says 'Seniority Ignored'

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who was among the key three contenders for the position of Kerala chief minister after the election results on May 4, said he was disappointed over the High Command choosing V D Satheesan as new chief minister.

The Haripad MP is unhappy over the high command ignorance towards his seniority, despite maintaining discipline throughout his political career alongside the Congress party. Chennithala has reportedly informed party leaders that he would not join the new council of ministers, Mathrubhumi reported citing party sources.

Read Also: V D Satheesan Declared Kerala Chief Minster 10 Days After UDF’s Sweeping Victory

The Congress on May 14 ended a ten-day deadlock by officially naming Satheesan as its chief ministerial pick, following the May 4 sweeping victory in the Kerala Assembly Elections. The party swept 102 seats out of the total 140, securing a landslide majority in the state.

The race for the chief minister position started between the three key claimants – VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and KC Venugopal. While VD Satheesan appeared to be popular leader and the former leader of opposition who took the UDF to the resounding victory, Ramesh Chennithala, the former leader of Opposition and the senior most leader in the party, also emerged potential chief ministerial candidate.

Read Also: Who Will Lead Kerala?: Inside Congress’ Power Struggle After UDF’s 102-Seat Sweep