Thiruvananthapuram | The Congress state leadership on Friday stepped in after supporters of leader V D Satheesan held demonstrations across Kerala demanding that he be made the next CM and allegedly tore down posters and flex boards of AICC leader K C Venugopal, who is also in contention for the post.
In the afternoon, a large crowd gathered at Palayam in Thiruvananthapuram, holding posters and placards in support of Satheesan.
The supporters raised slogans demanding that the party leadership appoint him as CM.
Some among them allegedly tore down flex boards erected in support of MP K C Venugopal in front of the state secretariat.
A similar demonstration was also held in Malappuram, where Congress workers carrying party flags displayed banners reading, “Secular Kerala is with V D Satheesan.”
Another major rally was held in Thrissur, where supporters carried banners stating, “The one who led the battle should lead the state.”
Smaller rallies were also reported in various parts of the Kozhikode district and Kasaragod.
Following the rallies across Kerala, Satheesan and the KPCC directed Congress workers to refrain from holding demonstrations and erecting flex boards in support of any leader.
In a Facebook post, Satheesan said the Congress-led UDF had secured the biggest victory in the history of the alliance in Kerala by winning 102 seats in the Assembly elections.
“The first phase of the process to elect the Congress Legislature Party leader has been completed, and the AICC is now moving to the second phase,” he said.
Satheesan said the current moment was one of happiness and pride for the party and the front.
“At such a time, nothing should happen from leaders or workers that could create difficulties for the party or the front,” he said.
He urged Congress and UDF workers to refrain from organising group demonstrations and installing flex boards in support of leaders.
“I lovingly request Congress and UDF workers to step back from such activities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose condemned the Idukki District Congress Committee’s decision to remove party workers from their posts for holding demonstrations in support of Satheesan.
He said such demonstrations were natural, as party workers had no other platform to express their support.
“Congress is not a cadre-based party that excessively insists on discipline among supporters,” he said.
“This is an emotional demonstration by party workers who shed their blood and sweat to achieve this landmark victory. Such an action was inappropriate,” he added.
Kuriakose said removing party workers from their posts for holding demonstrations was unfair, and added that he had spoken to the KPCC president on the matter.
“He assured me that they will not be suspended from the party,” he said.
He added that when emotional demonstrations take place, leaders should understand workers’ sentiments and, if mistakes are made, correct them by taking them into confidence.
