Chennithala or Kunhalikutty should be CM; Finance for VD Satheesan, says Kerala Dalit Federation

Kozhikode: If the UDF comes to power in the Assembly elections, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala or national leader of the Muslim League PK Kunhalikutty should be made Chief Minister, Kerala Dalit Federation (KDF) state president P Ramabhadran has told the Congress high command.

“Both have proven their ability as efficient administrators. The Congress high command’s stand that MPs should not contest in the Assembly elections was generally welcomed. In this context, there is no need to drag the name of AICC general secretary in charge of organisation, KC Venugopal, who has valuable contributions to make in national politics,” he said.

“Making PK Kunhalikutty the Chief Minister would be the strongest response to the BJP and the central government, which are trying to exclude Muslims from all centres of power. The Indian National Congress, which upholds Muslim inclusiveness and secular values, should show the resolve to do so,” Ramabhadran added.

“VD Satheesan is a capable leader. Even his political opponents do not wish to see him sidelined. If the UDF comes to power, Keralites expect a strong Finance Minister in Satheesan,” he said. He also added that any front would face opposition if Dalit and backward communities are not given proportional representation in ministerial positions.