Thiruvananthapuram, 02 Oct (H.S.):

Differences within the Congress have emerged as a challenge to Kerala’s UDF government, barely four months after Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan assumed office, with UDF convenor Adoor Prakash publicly questioning the leadership’s decision-making.

The immediate trigger was the appointment of M.K. Muneer as Administrative Reforms Commission chairman with Cabinet rank and Forward Bloc national general secretary G. Devarajan as Kerala’s special representative in New Delhi.

Some Congress leaders view Prakash’s criticism as part of a wider political challenge to Satheesan. Leaders and ministers considered close to AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal are reportedly unhappy over what they describe as unilateral decisions. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala is also said to be maintaining some distance from the government.

A senior member of the Congress political affairs committee questioned the allocation of a sixth Cabinet-rank position to the Muslim League, alleging inadequate consultation within the party.

The leader said the Congress, despite having 63 MLAs, was conceding key positions to coalition partners. Senior leaders who expected at least one such appointment to go to the Congress were disappointed, he added.

Some leaders have sought intervention by the party high command, while Venugopal has remained silent. Critics also contend that organisational work has suffered because the KPCC and Youth Congress presidents hold ministerial portfolios.

However, ministers K. Muraleedharan and Roji M. John have backed Satheesan. Muraleedharan maintained that government decisions followed necessary discussions. The Chief Minister’s supporters argue that public criticism damages the coalition and gives the opposition ammunition.

Meanwhile, appointments under consideration include Kerala Congress leader P.J. Joseph as chairman of the senior citizens’ commission and KDP leader Mani C. Kappan as NORKA-Roots vice-chairman.

Party sources indicated that, following Prakash’s intervention, any further appointments carrying Cabinet rank would be finalised only after consultations within the UDF, making coalition discussions central to the next decisions.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman