P.C. Chacko Resigns as NCP(SP) Kerala President Amid Factional Disputes
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Synopsis
Amid growing factional conflicts within the NCP(SP) in Kerala, state president P.C. Chacko has resigned from his role. The party's internal strife involves two MLAs, leading to significant political shifts.
Key Takeaways
- P.C. Chacko resigns from NCP(SP) presidency.
- Factional disputes among party legislators.
- NCP(SP) is part of Pinarayi Vijayan's government.
- Conflict between A.K. Saseendran and Thomas K. Thomas.
- Chacko may consider returning to Congress.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Kerala faction of NCP(SP) experienced a significant setback on Wednesday when its state president, P.C. Chacko, stepped down from his position.
This resignation comes amid ongoing factional disputes, as the party's two legislators have been openly challenging party authority.
The NCP(SP) is part of the Left government led by Pinarayi Vijayan.
The party currently holds two MLA positions, represented by A.K. Saseendran, the state Forest Minister, and Thomas K. Thomas.
Since December 2023, the conflict between Saseendran and Thomas escalated when Saseendran declined to resign, despite a prior agreement that he would step down after serving as Minister for 30 months.
Previously, Chacko had backed Saseendran following discussions with national leader Sharad Pawar, but he also attempted to advocate for Thomas to receive a ministerial position from CM Vijayan.
However, CM Vijayan did not grant this request, leading to a viral audio clip allegedly featuring Chacko, in which he claimed he could confront Vijayan if necessary.
This situation fostered an alliance between Thomas and Saseendran, prompting Chacko to resign from his presidential role.
The 78-year-old Chacko, a former Congress Lok Sabha member who served four terms, switched to NCP in 2021 after being denied a ticket for the 2019 elections and subsequently took on the role of state president.
Faced with increasing challenges as Thomas and Saseendran united, Chacko may be contemplating a return to Congress.
With it being unlikely for Thomas to secure a cabinet position, he is anticipated to ascend as the new state president of the party.
Thomas, who won the Kuttanad Assembly constituency in Alappuzha, is related to former state Minister Thomas Chandy. The NCP(SP) designated the Kuttanad seat to Thomas during the 2021 Assembly elections, which he won decisively.
