Chennithala set to join Chandy Cabinet

The tussle in the Congress in Kerala over the entry of state party president Ramesh Chennithala into the Oommen Chandy Cabinet appeared to be on the verge of resolution. Sources said the Chief Minister and the KPCC president have arrived at a broad agreement during an hour-long meeting they had here Thursday night.

Sources said Chandy has agreed to make Chennithala the Deputy CM but a decision would be formalised and announced only after consulting the allies. Although Chandy and Chennithala have arrived at an agreement,the KPCC presidents entry into the cabinet would be difficult if the Muslim League and the Kerala Congress M key constituents of the ruling UDF continue their opposition.

Both the parties have expressed strong reservation to the idea of creating a Deputy CMs post. Sources said if the Congress was willing to concede to some of their demands in return to Chennithala becoming the Deputy CM,a resolution could be in sight. Chandy as well as UDF convenor P P Thankachan are slated to meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi Friday to apprise her of the situation.

Chennithala on Thursday met Sonia during which she asked him to join the Cabinet.