KC Venugopal | Photo credit: ANI
All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary KC Venugopal said on Friday that differences among senior Congress leaders over the selection of Kerala chief minister, including issues related to Ramesh Chennithala, would be resolved smoothly.
Mr. Venugopal, who was also in the running for the post of Chief Minister, arrived at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to a warm welcome from party leaders and supporters.
“Everything will be resolved smoothly. Congress leaders in Kerala are disciplined and abide by party decisions. I have spoken to Mr. Chennithala and the appointed Chief Minister has also been in touch with him. All issues will be resolved amicably,” he said.
Asked if Mr. Chennithala would be part of the Cabinet, Mr. Venugopal said the matter would be discussed by the party leadership.
“There’s a good team in the state to decide that,” he said.
On whether he would intervene in the matter as AICC general secretary, Mr. Venugopal remarked, “You (the press) have already torn me apart. Is it not enough? There is nothing to tear apart.” Responding to the concerns of his supporters over not being appointed to the top post, the Alappuzha MP said the party workers should move forward by accepting the leadership’s decision.
“I accept the party’s decision. There is no need to discuss it further,” he said.
He said that a good government has been formed and should be allowed to fulfill the expectations of the people.
“Don’t get involved in other controversies. I have seen talk of ‘KC faction’ for the last two days. There is no need for such factions. They will make good ministers and capable Congress MLAs have been elected,” he said.
Mr. Venugopal said that the ministers will be selected on the basis of individual ability and party guidelines.
“They will move forward and meet the expectations of the people. We must support the government to ensure that,” he said.
When asked about the supporters who received him at the airport, he said KPCC president Sunny Joseph, who was present, did not belong to any faction.
“You should understand that our party is beautiful. There may be differences of opinion, but it should end here and we should support the government,” he said.
He reiterated that his main wish was to remain a congressman all his life.
Mr. Venugopal is likely to meet Congress and UDF leaders in the state capital.
Meanwhile, Mr Satheesan has left for Kochi and is expected to visit his constituency Paravur. The swearing-in ceremony will be held on May 18 in Thiruvananthapuram.
Published – 16 May 2026 0:05 AM IST
