Kerala assembly's Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan finds himself in a tight spot as a leaked letter from the Palakkad District Congress Committee (DCC) ignites a fresh controversy over Congress candidate selections for the Palakkad and Chelakkara by-elections. The letter suggests that Satheesan allegedly blocked the DCC’s recommendation of senior Congress leader K. Muraleedharan for the Palakkad constituency, sparking speculation that Satheesan might fear Muraleedharan could overshadow him.
Satheesan, however, downplayed the leak, calling it irrelevant. But his political opponents are leveraging the situation, citing it as an example of factionalism within Congress. The issue reportedly began after Congress state president K. Sudhakaran sought input from Palakkad and Thrissur DCCs on their preferred candidates. While Sudhakaran backed Ramya Haridas in Chelakkara, Satheesan advocated for Youth Congress state president Rahul Mamkootathil in Palakkad.
An insider from the Palakkad DCC revealed that the committee had preferred Muraleedharan for his political clout, viewing him as a strong counter to the growing presence of BJP and RSS candidate Krishnakumar in Palakkad. Despite the support, Muraleedharan clarified he never expressed a desire to contest from Palakkad, citing a reluctance to be seen as a frequent "outstation candidate."
Sudhakaran has since ordered an investigation into the leak, with speculation that dissident leader Dr. P. Sarin might be involved. Meanwhile, Palakkad MP V.K. Sreekandan downplayed the controversy, suggesting voters are focused on pressing issues rather than internal party matters, adding that Rahul Mamkootathil remains ahead in the race.
Meanwhile, CPM state secretary M.V. Govindan stirred the pot by claiming that Satheesan’s alleged resistance stemmed from a concern that Muraleedharan’s candidacy might threaten his own position as Leader of Opposition. With tensions high, the United Democratic Front (UDF) has scheduled a public meeting at Kota Maidan this Wednesday, hoping to address any lingering concerns among voters and demonstrate unity in the face of the upcoming by-election.
