Congress Worker Attempts Self-Immolation in Kerala Demanding VD Satheesan as CM
A Congress party worker in Kerala's Kottayam district attempted self-immolation to demand that senior leader VD Satheesan be appointed as the next Chief Minister. The incident occurred in Kaduthuruthy when the worker, identified as Francis, poured petrol on himself and threatened suicide while raising slogans supporting Satheesan. Police intervened swiftly, confiscating his lighter and taking him into custody before he could ignite himself. This dramatic protest highlights intensifying internal tensions within the Kerala Congress unit following the United Democratic Front's decisive victory in the recent Assembly polls. While the Congress Legislature Party has authorized national president Mallikarjun Kharge to select the Chief Minister, factions are lobbying heavily for their preferred candidates. VD Satheesan, KC Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala are considered frontrunners. Reports suggest a majority of newly elected MLAs support Venugopal, causing resentment among Satheesan's supporters who are organizing demonstrations. AICC observers are currently assessing the situation and will submit recommendations to the high command in Delhi, where the final decision on the Chief Ministerial candidate is expected to be made after further consultations.
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Congress Worker Attempts Self-Immolation in Kerala Demanding VD Satheesan as CM
A Congress party worker in Kerala's Kottayam district attempted self-immolation to demand that senior leader VD Satheesan be appointed as the next Chief Minister. The incident occurred in Kaduthuruthy when the worker, identified as Francis, poured petrol on himself and threatened suicide while raising slogans supporting Satheesan. Police intervened swiftly, confiscating his lighter and taking him into custody before he could ignite himself. This dramatic protest highlights intensifying internal tensions within the Kerala Congress unit following the United Democratic Front's decisive victory in the recent Assembly polls. While the Congress Legislature Party has authorized national president Mallikarjun Kharge to select the Chief Minister, factions are lobbying heavily for their preferred candidates. VD Satheesan, KC Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala are considered frontrunners. Reports suggest a majority of newly elected MLAs support Venugopal, causing resentment among Satheesan's supporters who are organizing demonstrations. AICC observers are currently assessing the situation and will submit recommendations to the high command in Delhi, where the final decision on the Chief Ministerial candidate is expected to be made after further consultations.
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