CM race enters final lap; AICC observers reject 'support list' leak
THE ongoing uncertainty over Kerala’s next chief minister led to an embarrassing moment for the Congress after a purported record of MLA preferences became public.
A photograph showing AICC observer Mukul Wasnik holding a document listing MLAs along with preference markings has gone viral on social media. The annotations on the paper are being interpreted as indicating support for senior Congress leader KC Venugopal.
The photograph was reportedly taken after discussions with newly elected Congress MLAs. Among the names visible were Sandeep Varier, Sajeev Joseph, TO Mohanan, Sunny Joseph, Usha Vijayan, IC Balakrishnan and T Siddique.
Most of the entries have the initials “KC”, while IC Balakrishnan’s name features both “KC” and “RC”, suggesting support for both Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala.
According to sources within the Congress, supporters of KC Venugopal are claiming majority support among the party’s 63 MLAs, and the leaked document is being interpreted as bolstering that position, ANI reported. The Venugopal camp reportedly says it has the backing of 46 MLAs, while three legislators have conveyed to the high command that they would accept whatever decision it takes.
Eight MLAs are said to have supported Ramesh Chennithala, whereas only six reportedly backed Opposition leader VD Satheesan, the report added.
Amid the row over the viral image, KPCC president Sunny Joseph told ANI that queries related to the document should be directed to Mukul Wasnik and added that he had not recommended any particular candidate to the observers.
AICC observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik had held consultations with newly elected MLAs and leaders of allied parties as part of the leadership selection process. After the meeting, Maken said that the Congress High Command would take a final decision.
"Today, we submitted our report to the Congress President. The entire CLP passed a one-line resolution giving the Congress leadership the right to choose the CLP leader, and a copy of that resolution was also handed over. We spoke to MLAs one-on-one and noted down everything they said. Not just names, but many people had a lot to say. We have noted it down and submitted it to the high command," he said.
