Ramesh Chennithala (ANI image)
NEW DELHI: Congress leader and Haripad assembly candidate Ramesh Chennithala on Friday said that the party leadership would take the final call on projecting him as the chief minister face for the 2026 Kerala assembly elections. Referring to his 50-year relationship with veteran leader Sonia Gandhi and the Nehru family, Chennithala stressed that he would abide by the party’s decision.”The party will decide. I have a strong association with the Sonia Gandhi-Nehru family for 50 years; I will follow what they decide,” he told ANI.When asked about his personal preference between Delhi and Trivandrum, he added, “I like Delhi and Trivandrum both. I will follow what party leadership decides.”Chennithala exuded confidence that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) will return to power in Kerala.”Only a few days are left. Congress’ prospects look very promising. The Congress-led UDF will form the government. People are with us. Nothing significant has happened in the last ten years. Kerala has regressed. People are on our side. The government will be formed under Congress leadership with a majority,” he said. He highlighted the UDF manifesto, describing it as comprehensive and citizen-centric. Key promises include Indira guarantees such as a Rs 2,000 pension, Rs 5 lakh interest-free loans for youth, free KSRTC travel for women, Rs 1,000 monthly support for college-going girls, the formation of a separate ministry for senior citizens and provisions for health insurance.”People trust our manifesto,” he added.Criticising the CPI(M)-led LDF government, Chennithala said, “Nothing happened in the last ten years under the current government. People are suffering and unhappy. They will favour us after seeing the government’s performance over the last ten years. Our positive agenda will also gain trust, leading to our government’s formation.”He also downplayed the role of the BJP in Kerala, saying, “The BJP is not a factor here. Communal politics will not work in Kerala. People here are educated. They (the BJP) do not contest to win, but to cut votes.”Commenting on the LDF’s strategy of projecting chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan as its campaign face, he said, “Pinarayi Vijayan is the Chief Minister, so they will project him. They lack other leaders. Our case is not like that. There are many capable people. Everyone’s face is among the people. The people will choose who will be the best chief minister. There is no infighting in Congress.”Polling for the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is set to conclude on May 23.
