The Congress leadership has elected VD Satheesan as the Leader of the Opposition. The state leadership was informed about this. KPCC president Mullappally Ramachandran confirmed this. The constituent parties, including the Muslim League, supported the change of leadership. KPCC leadership change later.
High Command representatives Mallikarjun Kharge and V Vaidya Lingam visited Kerala and sought specific views from Congress MLAs and MPs on the need for the Leader of the Opposition. Ramesh Chennithala’s continued to be the Leader of the Opposition put pressure on the High Command until the last minute. Oommen Chandy and others came on the scene arguing that it was appropriate for Ramesh to continue.
Satheesan had the support of a few young MLAs and MPs. With Ramesh and Oommen Chandy joining hands, the High Command was worried that the decision to overthrow them would harm the party in the state but eventually decided to change the generation.
VD Satheesan was the chairman of the assembly PAC and estimate committees. He has also served as AICC Secretary and KPCC Vice President. He won from Paravur for the fifth time in a row as an MLA.
