Chenthi Anil’s Protest Against VD Satheesan: Group Rivalry Behind Former DCC Member's Action

Thiruvananthapuram: The incident in which DCC member Chenthi Anil and his group stopped Chief Minister VD Satheesan on the road in Sreekaryam is being linked to factional rivalry within the Congress. Anil, who was arrested in connection with the incident, is a supporter of Ramesh Chennithala, the state’s Home Minister. Anil was also among those who put up a flex board outside the KPCC office after the election results, demanding that Chennithala be made Chief Minister.

The Home Department’s approach towards Anil’s arrest was also lenient. When a court considered Anil’s bail plea, the prosecution conveniently remained silent on the argument that Anil had not stopped the CM. The lawyers appearing for Anil argued that Satheesan had come to attend a private event rather than an official programme and that the case therefore did not stand.

Although the Sreekaryam police had informed that the accused had obstructed the Chief Minister while he was performing his official duties, the prosecution did not raise the matter before the court. When the case reached court, the Home Department allegedly protected Anil.

Satheesan’s approach towards the matter also appeared to stem from an earlier rivalry. Anil had claimed that Satheesan withdrew from the programme organised by him on the instructions of Congress leader Chempazhanthy Anil, who is considered close to the CM.