KOTTAYAM: Close on the heels of Congress high command naming V D Satheesan as the Kerala chief minister, the NSS and SNDP Yogam, two influential Hindu community organisations, voiced their strong dissatisfaction with the decision.
While NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair conveyed his frustration and anger, asserting that high command had capitulated to the IUML, SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan took a more measured approach, stating that both K C Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala were deserving candidates.
“If this was the decision, there was no need for any delay and make people suffer. The decision contravenes democratic principles, as Congress did not adhere to proper procedures in selecting a chief minister. In short, it must be said the Congress has surrendered to the League,” Nair said, warning of IUML’s meddling in all spheres of governance of the upcoming government.
Nair also lashed out at the Congress high command for its lack of propriety in decision making.
“The delay in reaching a decision by the high command exacerbated the situation. The selection process failed to adhere to democratic standards or etiquette. This was not the approach it should have taken. Had the necessary criteria been met, the delay might have been justified. However, none of the criteria has been fulfilled,” he said.
Vellappally attributed the victory to UDF’s teamwork, highlighting Venugopal as its architect.
“K C Venugopal’s influence in formulating election strategies and policy moves was significant. He worked diligently for the success of the UDF, both financially and intellectually. He is one of the main architects of this victory,” he said, while also noting that Chennithala, who he described as ‘unlucky’, was overlooked. “Chennithala has the ability and political experience to lead everyone together. It was not right to exclude a senior leader like him,” he said.
Vellappally also cautioned against the potential interference by the Muslim League in the government. “The Muslim League will have more representation in the new government. They will act as a pressure group to make gains from the government,” he said.
He also commended Satheesan’s intervention as the opposition leader and expressed hope that Satheesan, now appointed as chief minister, will lead an administration grounded in social justice.