THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In what could be termed as an anti-climax of sorts, P C Chacko finally quit as NCP state president. Chacko was forced to step down following stiff internal opposition, which was set off by the factional feud over the party’s cabinet berth. There are indications that Chacko decided to quit after the two factions, led by A K Saseendran and Thomas K Thomas, settled their differences and united against him.
The veteran leader, however, will continue as the party’s national working president. Chacko sent his resignation to party national chief Sharad Pawar. It’s learnt that the national leadership hasn’t as yet accepted the resignation. Speculation is rife that Kuttanad MLA Thomas K Thomas could succeed Chacko as state chief, an arrangement the Saseendran faction is in favour of.
The NCP has for some time been rocked by an open tussle between two party MLAs — forest minister Saseendran and Thomas - over the cabinet berth.
Chacko, who took over as the party’s state chief in May 2021, initially stood with Saseendran. Later, however, he sided with Thomas and took an official decision for the latter to replace Saseendran.
Though Chacko was able to convince Pawar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan categorically rejected the proposal. In view of allegations that Thomas attempted to bribe two LDF MLAs to join the NCP Ajit Pawar faction — an NDA ally — Pinarayi was not keen on inducting him into the cabinet. Following this, Chacko even suggested that the NCP recall its minister. This did not go down well with party leaders.
Of late, the party has been witnessing major infighting. The party district president in the state capital was removed. The NCP office in Thiruvananthapuram witnessed clashes between the factions last week. Meanwhile, the Saseendran group launched a signature campaign, allegedly with the tacit support of Thomas, seeking Chacko’s removal. The plan was to hand over the complaint to the national leadership next week.
The resignation comes in the wake of internal squabbling and allegations, pointed out sources. “P C Chacko had an autocratic way of functioning.
There were allegations that he was trying to sideline senior leaders. A few allegations too came up against him over a PSC member’s appointment. Though Chacko joined hands with Thomas against Saseendran, the move didn’t yield the desired result. Later, Thomas and Saseendran united against Chacko, leading to his departure,” said a leader.
Once a powerful state- and national-level Congress leader, Chacko joined the NCP in March 2021.
A former JPC chairman, who shares close ties with many national leaders, Chacko was able to establish himself in state politics. Despite never being in the good books of either the CPM or Pinarayi, he maintained heft as the state chief of an LDF ally. However his authority was questioned after he started siding with factions within the party. Meanwhile, there was even speculation that the veteran could return to the Congress.