Thiruvananthapuram, 01 May (H.S.): Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister,P. J. Kurien on Friday dismissed reports of a power struggle within the party over the chief minister’s post, calling such narratives a “media creation” and asserting that the Congress follows a well-defined democratic process in leadership selection.
Speaking to the media, Kurien said that while leaders within the party may express differing opinions, these should not be misconstrued as a contest for the top post. “Congress is a democratic party. Naturally, individuals will voice their views, but they remain opinions and not decisions,” he said.
He clarified that the party has an established mechanism to decide on the chief ministerial candidate. According to him, the Congress high command will depute representatives to consult elected MLAs and senior leaders before arriving at a final decision. “Once the high command takes a call, everyone will stand united behind it, and that is how a chief minister will be chosen,” Kurien noted.
The veteran leader also cautioned against premature speculation. “There is no relevance in declaring who will be the chief minister at this stage. Such discussions are unnecessary before the due process is completed,” he said.
Kurien pointed out that the media landscape has evolved significantly, with social media and television channels amplifying political narratives. While acknowledging that these platforms are part of modern political communication, he stressed that they do not influence the party’s official decision-making process.
He further stated that no conclusions can be drawn based on a single survey suggesting support for Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan as chief minister. “There are diverse opinions within the Congress, and they should not be seen as a dispute,” he added.
Kurien declined to comment on the stance of the Indian Union Muslim League, reiterating that the party would ultimately back the high command’s decision.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
