Thiruvananthapuram : It was a insulting exit for Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala who was shown the door on pretext of generation change. He shared that emotion with those close to him as he vacated the official residence the same evening Saturday. Oomen Chandy, who fervently argued for Chennithala, is also heartbroken in his Puthupally home.
VD Satheeshan’s avatar as Opposition Leader cannot exactly end group politics in Congress. In fact, it is set to intensify more. The current episode is a replica of the “leadership-change” experiment that Congress unsuccessfully toyed with several times in the past.
In the aftermath of 2016 debacle, Congress had packed Oomen Chandy and appointed Ramesh Chennithala as Opposition Leader. In those days, a section of media and Congress leaders nursed a glowing perception for the party’s future then on until that delusion took a hit with local body elections held last December. Now a question doing rounds among Congressmen themselves is : How does VD Satheeshan, with MLA career dating backing to 2001, represent a new generation ? Ramesh Chennithala is winding up aged 60 and VD Satheeshan is ushering in aged 57. Where is generation-change in the whole thing? they ask.
In 1995, AK Antony made a pompous takeover after ousting Karunakaran’s. The joy was shortlived and LDF come to power in the elections held a year later. Later when AK Antony’s repute ebbed to all-time low in 2005, Oomen Chandy moved in as replacement. Again, LDF came to power an year later. These experiences render a pointed message - not much changes with the cow by moving it over to new shed. It is preposterous to imagine that the Oomen Chandy - Ramesh Chennithala gravity holding A and I group for decades is finally losing steam. In fact, a new group close to that epicenter is now taking form under VD Satheeshan.
Another question is : who guided High Command into overriding Oomen Chandy - Chennithala pressure combo ? Those putting the onus on Rahul Gandhi factory know only too well KC Venugopal is the catalyst. To him, quashing Oomen Chandy-Chennithala tie-up with a single blow has been a relieving experience.
A flash decison
Just two nights earlier, the national veteran, Mallikarjun Kharge received instructions to retain Chennithala as Oppn Leader and appoint Oomen Chandy as the new KPCC President. And, tipped on the formula from higher echelons, Ramesh Chennithala stay put at his official residence without vacating. However, the High Command decision delivered Saturday morning startled Chennithala. Now, there was no option but to pick up bag and baggage and leave the official quarters. The decision to appoint VD Satheeshan as Opposition Leader is traumatic to Mullappally as well. He had hoped to somehow tag along with Chennithala in days ahead.
