Sitting MLA should become CM, says Kerala Congress (Joseph faction)

In a setback to AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, who enjoys a majority in the Congress legislature party, the Kerala Congress (Joseph faction) reportedly informed the AICC observers that a sitting MLA should become the Chief Minister.

Faction Chairman P. J. Joseph also demanded that a decision be taken considering the public sentiment in Kerala. The party also clarified that it is better to avoid by-elections.

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The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is learnt to have expressed its view favouring V D Satheesan. IUML leader P.K. Kunhalikutty said that the party’s opinion was conveyed to the observers and that there was nothing more to say.

Venugopal, Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing assembly Satheesan, former KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala are the top contenders for the chief minister’s post

Meanwhile, Congress workers took to the streets in support of Satheesan at Nettoor in Kochi, raising slogans demanding he become the Chief Minister. Demonstrations have also been held in Kannur and Kozhikode.

A demonstration in favour of VD Satheesan was also held at Mukkaum in Kozhikode. The slogan of the activists was that those who led the struggle should lead the state