Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Signs of an internal power struggle are intensifying within the Congress in Kerala, with the controversy surrounding Chief Minister VD Satheesan and growing divisions in the party.

The recent public criticism of the government by KSU state president Aloshious Xavier has reportedly received the backing of some Congress leaders, adding momentum to the internal dissent.

Political observers also point to Satheesan's absence from the Oommen Chandy remembrance event and his separate visit to the late leader's memorial in Puthuppally as visible signs of the rift within the party.

Some Congress leaders are said to believe that Satheesan's tenure as Chief Minister could be limited to just one year. There are also reports of dissatisfaction among some ministers over his style of functioning.

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala is said to be focusing independently on his department, while K. Muraleedharan has also maintained a cautious distance from internal disputes.

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is understood to have taken precautions to prevent differences within the Congress from affecting the functioning of the government.

Within the Congress, there is a general view that while Aloshious Xavier may have raised a valid issue regarding the appointment of a Government Pleader, the manner in which he made his criticism public was inappropriate.

AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal's response, neither rejecting Xavier's criticism nor endorsing the way it was expressed, is being viewed as politically significant.

Former KPCC president VM Sudheeran's public praise for Aloshious Xavier has further fuelled speculation about the growing factionalism within the party. Sudheeran, who had earlier disagreed with Satheesan over issues related to taxation on low-alcohol beverages, is seen as having reaffirmed his differences.

Supporters of Satheesan believe Xavier's remarks are part of a larger internal political battle involving sections of the KSU.

Ernakulam KSU district president Krishnalal alleged that instead of raising complaints within the party, Xavier chose to make public statements as part of a deliberate attempt to tarnish the Chief Minister's image.

State KSU general secretary Mubas Odakkaly also questioned why Xavier approached the media with allegations before formally submitting a complaint to the party leadership.

According to party insiders, Xavier had initially risen to the KSU presidency with Satheesan's support, and his recent change in stance is being viewed as a key factor behind the latest round of internal unrest.

Satheesan pays tribute to Oommen Chandy

Meanwhile, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan paid tribute to former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, saying he strives to follow the late leader's example while acknowledging that no one can truly replace him.

"As I sit in the same chair once occupied by Oommen Chandy, I try to be like him. No one can become Oommen Chandy. But he taught us that embracing ordinary people is the responsibility of every public representative," Satheesan wrote in a social media post.