Thomas K Thomas Poised to Lead Kerala NCP (SP)
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Synopsis
Thomas K. Thomas, an MLA from Kerala's NCP (SP), is set to become the president of the party's state unit after his exclusion from the Cabinet led by Pinarayi Vijayan. Key leaders have given their approval, and an announcement is anticipated shortly.
Key Takeaways
- Thomas K. Thomas likely to head Kerala NCP (SP) state unit.
- Approval from Sharad Pawar for Thomas's appointment.
- Current head P.C. Chacko resigned unexpectedly.
- Party facing internal conflicts among legislators.
- Thomas previously won the Kuttanad Assembly seat.
Alappuzha, Feb 17 (NationPress) Following his exclusion from the Cabinet headed by Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala NCP (SP) MLA Thomas K. Thomas is anticipated to assume the role of president of the party's state unit.
According to sources, NCP (SP) National President Sharad Pawar has conferred with key leaders in the state and has sanctioned Thomas to step into this prominent position.
The formal declaration is expected within the coming days.
The current head of the NCP (SP) state unit, P.C. Chacko, unexpectedly tendered his resignation, leaving numerous party members in a state of confusion.
The NCP (SP) is part of the Left government under Pinarayi Vijayan in Kerala. Nevertheless, the party is facing internal strife among its legislators, who are openly challenging party protocols.
Previously, Sharad Pawar had directed state Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran to resign and facilitate Thomas's entry into the Cabinet. However, Saseendran openly resisted the National President’s orders, contributing to factional disputes within Kerala's NCP (SP).
There was an understanding between the two politicians that after serving as Minister for 30 months, Saseendran would step aside for Thomas. Chacko also supported Thomas, attempting to persuade Chief Minister Vijayan to appoint him, which was ultimately declined by the Chief Minister.
Additionally, an audio recording has emerged on social media, allegedly featuring Chacko claiming he can challenge Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Thomas, who won the Kuttanad Assembly seat in Alappuzha, is the sibling of the late former state Minister Thomas Chandy.
After Chandy's unfortunate passing, the state NCP(SP) allocated the Kuttanad Assembly seat to Thomas in the 2021 elections, which he won decisively.
Recently, Thomas faced criticism from Vellapally Natesan, the leader of the influential Hindu Ezhava community, who also comes from Alappuzha, Thomas's home district.
“Thomas lacks any real abilities; he has merely been an aide to Chandy. The CPI-M should take over the Kuttanad seat,” remarked Natesan, whose son leads the BDJS, the second-largest ally in the BJP-led NDA in Kerala.
