Thiruvananthapuram, 17 July (H.S) : Internal differences within the Congress in Kerala have intensified over the appointment of government pleaders, with the latest flashpoint being the Chief Minister's Office declining a request from KSU state president Aloshious Xavier for a meeting with Chief Minister V D Satheesan.

According to official sources, the meeting could not be scheduled due to the Chief Minister's busy engagements. However, the development has triggered fresh political controversy within the ruling party, with sections of the Congress alleging that the refusal reflects growing internal divisions.

The controversy stems from the government's decision to appoint Giona James, a former SFI activist, and D S Sharath, against whom political opponents have alleged RSS links, as Senior Government Pleaders. The appointments were strongly criticised by the Kerala Students Union (KSU), which demanded that the government review the selections.

The dispute escalated further after Chief Minister Satheesan reportedly questioned why the KSU should concern itself with the appointment of government pleaders. His remarks drew sharp criticism from sections of the party's student wing and several Congress leaders, who viewed the comments as dismissive.

The issue has also exposed differences among senior Congress leaders. Party spokesperson V R Anoop and leaders associated with the party's A and I factions publicly criticised the Chief Minister's decision not to grant an appointment to the KSU state president. They argued that denying an audience to the leader of the party's own student organisation had sent the wrong political message and fuelled dissatisfaction within the cadre.

On the other hand, leaders backing the Chief Minister defended his stand and criticised the KSU's public campaign. Ernakulam District Congress Committee general secretary Raju P Nair said internal disagreements should be addressed through party forums rather than through the media, warning that public confrontations only strengthen political opponents.

Despite the growing unease, the KSU leadership has decided not to launch further public protests for the time being. Party sources said the organisation would wait for an opportunity to meet the Chief Minister before deciding its future course of action.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman