Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said there was “no struggle or pressure” involved in him securing the Home Ministry in the new Kerala cabinet led by V. D. Satheesan.
Thiruvanathpuram: Speaking before taking oath as Kerala’s Home Minister, Chennithala clarified that there was no internal conflict over the portfolio and revealed that the Chief Minister had personally asked him to choose the department he preferred.
The veteran Congress leader said he decided to accept the Home Ministry after considering the Chief Minister’s request, pressure from colleagues, and directions from the Congress high command.
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According to Chennithala, his long political and administrative experience made the transition into the Home Department natural and smooth.
Chennithala admitted that he initially had doubts about joining the cabinet. However, he said requests from party workers, colleagues, and people from his constituency Haripad eventually convinced him to accept the responsibility.
He said ensuring peaceful lives for the people of Kerala would now be his biggest priority as Home Minister.
Chennithala returns to familiar role
This is not the first time Chennithala has handled the Home portfolio. He earlier served as Home Minister in the government led by former Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy.
He also recalled becoming a minister nearly four decades ago during the tenure of former chief minister K. Karunakaran.
Reflecting on his political career, Chennithala said politics naturally comes with “ups and downs” and stressed that he has always followed the decisions of the Congress party.
Published: 18 May 2026, 11:11 am IST
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