Chandy stakes claim in Kerala

Chandy met Governor R S Gawai in the evening and handed over a letter electing him as leader of the CLP and the UDF allies accepting him as their leader. Chandy later told newsmen that his government would be sworn in on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president and newly elected MLA from Harippad Ramesh Chennithala withdrew from the fray after the high command plumped for Chandy.  “There will be no contest for the chief ministership and Oommen Chandy will be elected the CLP leader. I will continue to strengthen the Congress party as PCC chief. I had not denied reports about my interest in chief ministership because it was the high command which takes the decision in these matters,’’ he said. 

At the CLP meeting, AICC observers Mohsina Kidwai and general secretary Madhusoodhan Mistry elicited the opinion of the party MLAs on their choice of leader.  Chennithala later formally conveyed to the CLP the decision to elect Chandy as leader.
 
The high command was strongly in favour of Chandy leading the government when the chief minister may have to virtually undertake tightrope walking while shepherding the allies.  
Chandy’s support among the 38 elected party MLAs also became crucial.

UDF convener P P Thankachan said that the leaders of the various UDF partners would be sworn in along with Chandy. The others will be inducted into the cabinet later.