Ministerial berth talks 'progressing smoothly', assures KPCC chief Sunny Joseph

After meeting AICC general secretary K C Venugopal at his residence, Joseph said talks within the Congress and among UDF allies were moving in the right direction.
Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan shares a light moment with KPCC President Sunny Joseph
Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan shares a light moment with KPCC President Sunny Joseph (Photo | Express)
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KPCC president Sunny Joseph on Saturday said discussions on ministerial berths in the new government were progressing smoothly and satisfactorily.

Speaking to reporters after meeting AICC general secretary K C Venugopal at his residence, Joseph said talks within the Congress and among UDF allies were moving in the right direction.

“Everything is good. Discussions on ministerial berths in the Congress and among UDF allies are progressing well,” he said.

Asked about senior leader Ramesh Chennithala’s reported dissent over being denied the Chief Minister’s post, Joseph said the matter had been settled.

“Everything is resolved,” he said.

“Things are moving smoothly. We are holding discussions within the party and with allies. The announcement will be made at the right time. Everybody will be comfortable in the Congress party,” he added.

Asked whether Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay would attend the swearing-in ceremony on Monday, Joseph said it was not yet confirmed.

Joseph later headed to the Cantonment House to meet Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan and UDF allies.

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Earlier, MP Anto Antony and Congress leader Joseph Vazhakkhan also met Venugopal.

Antony said Venugopal is the most popular Congress leader in Kerala and described the UDF's victory as "historic", noting that the party had not secured such a high number of MLAs before.

He also termed the criticism against Venugopal as a "media creation".

Vazhakkhan said Chennithala is a senior leader and would decide on his role, including whether to join the cabinet.

"It is natural that he might have complaints, not just on one issue but on several. It may not be only about the Chief Minister's post. He is an experienced and mature leader who knows how to decide in such a situation," he said.

He added that the issue would be resolved amicably soon.

(With inputs from PTI)

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