Differences over Kerala Chief Minister selection will be resolved smoothly, says K.C. Venugopal

All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K.C. Venugopal on Friday said that differences among senior Congress leaders over the selection of the Kerala Chief Minister, including issues involving Ramesh Chennithala, would be resolved smoothly.

Mr. Venugopal, who was also in the race for the Chief Minister’s post, arrived at the Thiruvananthapuram international airport to a warm reception from party leaders and supporters.

“Everything will be resolved smoothly. Congress leaders in Kerala are disciplined and abide by the party’s decisions. I have spoken to Mr. Chennithala, and the Chief Minister-designate has also been in touch with him. All issues will be resolved amicably,” he said.

When asked whether Mr. Chennithala would be part of the Cabinet, Mr. Venugopal said the matter would be discussed by the party leadership.

“There is a good team in the State which will make a decision on this,” he said.

On whether he would intervene in the matter as the AICC general secretary, Mr. Venugopal remarked, “You (the press) have already torn me apart. Is that not enough? There is nothing left to tear.” Responding to concerns among his supporters over not being named for the top post, the Alappuzha MP said party workers should move forward by accepting the leadership’s decision.

“I accept the party’s decision. There is no need to discuss it further,” he said.

He said a good government had been formed and should be allowed to meet people’s expectations.

“Do not get into other controversies. I have been seeing talk of a ‘K C faction’ for the past two days. There is no need for such factions. There will be good Ministers, and capable Congress MLAs have been elected,” he said.

Mr. Venugopal said Ministers would be selected based on individual capability and party guidelines.

“They will move forward, living up to people’s expectations. We must support the government to ensure that,” he said.

When asked about supporters who received him at the airport, he said KPCC president Sunny Joseph, who was present, did not belong to any faction.

“You should understand that ours is a beautiful party. There can be differences of opinion, but this should end here, and we should support the government,” he said.

He reiterated that his foremost desire was to remain a Congressman all his life.

Mr. Venugopal is likely to meet the Congress and the UDF leaders in the State capital.

Meanwhile, Mr. Satheesan has left for Kochi and is expected to visit his constituency, Paravur. The swearing-in ceremony will be held on May 18 in Thiruvananthapuram.