Adoor Prakash Criticises CM Satheesan; AICC Examines Internal Complaints

Differences within Kerala’s ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) have come into public view, with Chief Minister V D Satheesan facing criticism from senior Congress leader and UDF convener Adoor Prakash over the functioning of the government. The dispute has prompted indications that the Congress central leadership may intervene. AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said the party had mechanisms to address internal differences and that the leadership would take the matter forward through dialogue.

The disagreement centres largely on allegations that important decisions were being taken without adequate consultation with the UDF convenor. Prakash has specifically raised objections over recent appointments, including the selection of IUML leader M K Muneer as chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission and Forward Bloc general secretary G Devarajan as Kerala’s special representative in Delhi, both with Cabinet rank. Prakash has maintained that he does not oppose the appointments themselves but believes such decisions should have been discussed within the coalition.

Venugopal, meanwhile, distanced himself from speculation that Prakash’s criticism had been made with his backing. He said he had not acted against the government and questioned attempts to associate him with another leader’s personal views. At the same time, Venugopal indicated that internal differences should be handled through the party’s established mechanisms rather than through public statements. Prakash has said he will present his concerns to the All India Congress Committee, which appointed him as UDF convener.

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KPCC president and minister Sunny Joseph has also left the matter to the AICC, saying the central leadership would take an appropriate decision. He said Satheesan consults him on government matters and that he keeps Prakash informed. Other Congress leaders, including A P Anilkumar and Rajmohan Unnithan, have criticised Prakash for taking his concerns to the public, while Prakash has remained firm that he acted independently and has said that leaders and allies who share his concerns have contacted him privately.

UDF allies have largely called for the issues to be handled through coalition consultations. IUML general secretary and minister P K Kunhalikutty said discussions with coalition partners take place regularly and indicated that pending appointments to boards and corporations could address some of the concerns. Kerala Congress leader and minister Mons Joseph has sought consultations within the UDF and raised the issue of appropriate recognition for party chairman P J Joseph, while RSP leader Shibu Baby John said matters requiring discussion would be raised within the alliance rather than through public statements.

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