Dissidence grows within NCP as Chacko faction trains guns on Minister Saseendran

Kochi: The squabble within the party over the ministerial post intensifies as the official leadership of NCP moves forward with their plan to remove Forest Minister AK Saseendran. With the relationship between Saseendran and state president PC Chacko worsening, it is expected that the leadership will soon decide to appoint Thomas K Thomas, the other MLA of the party in the assembly, as the minister for the rest of the term. The official leadership has also hinted at an understanding within the party regarding this.

The group led by AK Saseendran has begun steps to resist the move by the official faction. So far, they have stated that there have been no discussions regarding a change of minister within the party. To counter the move of the official leadership, the dissident group led by the minister plans to remove Chacko from the post of president.

To advance their plan, they intend to meet Sharad Pawar, the national president of the party, demanding a full-time president in the state since Chacko was named national working president of the party.

It is said that the rift between Chacko and Saseendran was caused by the handling of the party's financial affairs. Currently, the party’s treasurer is from Saseendran's faction. Alleging misappropriation of funds, Chacko moved against the Saseendran group by calling a secret meeting in Kozhikode.

Previously, Saseendran's group had substantial influence within the party. They were instrumental in bringing PC Chacko from Congress to NCP. According to insiders, most of the district presidents of the party are now with Chacko’s faction. They also said that if Chacko acts against Saseendran, the minister may not be able to stop it. The official group led by Chacko also believes that the CPM leadership would support them if they demand to change the minister. With his stature as a national leader of the party, Chacko also ensures the backing of national leadership.