Satheesan backers stage protests, Kerala Congress leadership steps in

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/KOTAAYAM: The Congress leadership in Kerala Friday stepped in after supporters of opposition leader V D Satheesan held demonstrations across the state demanding that he be made the next chief minister and allegedly tore down posters and flex boards of AICC leader K C Venugopal, who is also in contention for the post.

Though KPCC directed Congress workers to refrain from holding demonstrations and erecting flex boards in support of any leader, rallies pledging support to Satheesan were held in the evening as well. In the afternoon, a large crowd gathered at Palayam in Thiruvananthapuram, holding posters and placards backing Satheesan and raising slogans in his favour. Some among them allegedly tore down flex boards erected in support of Venugopal in front of the state secretariat.

In Malappuram, Congress workers carrying party flags displayed banners reading "Secular Kerala is with VD Satheesan". A rally was held in Thrissur, where supporters of the LOP carried banners stating, "The one who led the (poll) battle should lead the state." Smaller rallies were reported in various parts of Kozhikode and Kasaragod.

In Kottayam, Congress workers took to the streets in Pampady, with panchayat head Siju K Isaac stating that workers who had toiled hard for the party's victory were on the streets today, and Congress should not face the same fate as CPM.

(With inputs from PTI)