Thiruvananthapuram, 03 March (H.S.): In a blend of faith and politics during the famed Attukal Pongala festival, Unnimaya, daughter of Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, offered Pongala prayers seeking the fulfilment of her father’s aspirations — not for personal power, but for the success of the Congress party in the upcoming political battles.
This year, the Satheesan family prepared the ritual offering in front of Cantonment House, the official residence of the Opposition Leader in Thiruvananthapuram. Speaking to the media, Unnimaya said this was the second time she was offering Pongala and that her prayers were centred on her father’s efforts and dedication.
“My prayer is not that my father should become Chief Minister,” she clarified. “His wish is that the Congress party should secure a good result. He is putting in tremendous effort, and I hope that effort bears fruit. That is my prayer.”
Her remarks come at a time when political discussions in Kerala are intensifying ahead of the next Assembly elections, with the Congress seeking to regain power from the ruling Left Democratic Front.
V.D. Satheesan also visited the Pongala site and joined his family briefly. Addressing reporters, he maintained that he does not offer Pongala for personal gains. “I do not pray for personal matters,” he said, adding that he believes a new political phase is on the horizon.
In a statement that has sparked political chatter, Satheesan remarked, “By the next Pongala, there will be a Congress Chief Minister at Cliff House. That is my mission. The rest is for the party to decide.”
Cliff House, the official residence of the Chief Minister of Kerala, has long symbolised the seat of executive power in the state. While Satheesan stopped short of projecting himself as the Chief Ministerial candidate, his confident assertion underscores the Congress party’s renewed determination to stage a comeback.
The Attukal Pongala, attended by lakhs of women devotees each year, has often seen prominent political leaders and their families participating in the ritual. This year, the Satheesan family’s participation has added a subtle political dimension to an otherwise spiritual occasion.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
