"Naukri karni hae ... This is just a job" --- such thought process is biggest enemy of Journalism : But such maladies existed in abundance in PTI

I landed in PTI, New Delhi -- its news headquarters - in 1998. The administrative headquarters was still Mumbai.

Within weeks, one ex-PTI and who was then working for a newspaper told me --- "Some of your colleagues and even bosses will know nothing about History and the rest will know nothing about Geography". 

I laughed and sought to dismiss his philosophy.  

Was that a joke; or he was being a philosopher ? The venue of our meeting was Press Club. 

After a while; I discovered --   conduct and behaviour of many 'jokers' in the pack made me laugh more times than it made us frown. That does not mean, I had no respect for seniors and elders. There were several genius in the pack too.  

Krishnamachari Srikkanth and M K Razdan (GM, PTI, 1998) 

(photo by Partho Sarkar) 

***

When Krishnamachari Srikant, former Indian cricketer, walked into PTI headquarters, in 1998 ... he gave a classy headline - I thought.

"Leadership is result oriented". --- Impressed M K Razdan, the Editor-in-chief and still 'general manager'; had responded saying - "Thank You for saying that". Yet the country's premier news organisaton missed the story. 

Stories may come. Stories may go ... Journalist will remain there. That's the Fly on the wall... The 'road' on the surface of the earth. 

Gulzar's lines on 'Road or Path' not only sound familiar ... they sound so relevant for our tribe - the scribes.  

"Ek dur se aati hai

Paas aake palatati hai

Ek raah akeli si .... rukati  Hai na chalati hai

(A path/road comes from afar, comes close but takes a quick turn away,

It is also a lonely path that goes nowhere. I think amongst these velvet paths, there will be one... a path leads me to you a path that starts from here. That lonely road ..... is standstill and is rendered immovable.) 

The story is of 1998. 

And my regret is not about 'not able to write' that 'news-story'. It was the responsibility of the Sports Bureau; but something odd happened.

Krishnamachari Srikant made a 'guest appearance'. During interaction with the journalists in the common hall, I asked him fairly at the end of the show - "How would you rate Sachin Tendulkar as a captain material"?  

His response was:  "Captainship is result oriented. You change a bowler, he gets couple of wickets; everyone will say genius, what a decision. But the same bowler gives away two boundaries and the people would say 'yeh pagal captain'". 

Razdan sahab was impressed and he even told Srikant on the spot : "Thanks for saying that". The Boss was referring to his own 'case' vis-a-vis Press Trust of India. Boss also had a pet line - "You are alone at top".

But to my utter surprise that day and even next morning - I did not find the story on wire. I asked Kirti Patil (our E-20, Jungpura PTI guest house mate). 

His response was quite interesting and I hope -- he can remember today what he had said: "Mrinal was supposed to file it. JR (Jagannath Rao - Editor, Sports, PTI) had instructed Mrinal to show the copy to Srikant (PTI colleague in Sports Bureau)... and then something happened". 

I was little taken aback. Can a story be 'killed' or not filed at all on such silly reason. 

Mrinal Dey was a Kolkata boy. He did not like the very idea that the copy should be shown to his batchmate Srikant. Our colleague Srikant was a Telugu Bidda. 

But later I realised, something else had happened in the hall itself. And perhaps that was the principal reason that the story did not run on PTI wires. Nevertheless, I could be wrong too about the 'reason'.

 

Just before the interaction with journalists started; Krishnamachari Srikant started talking to Ananthnarayan (NAN) in Tamil. They knew each other pretty well because NAN was a senior reporter with the PTI Sports section covering Cricket regularly and religiously. 

Even players like Saurav Ganguly knew NAN personally. This two-minutes Tamil chit-chat might have displeased people in the room. 

Possibly !!

NAN was even asked by the Boss : "Is he (Krishnamachari) asking you; are you happy here with us?". NAN simply laughed. 

    

Talking about Indian media -- often it is asked -- "Is the Indian press really ailing". 

The 'soul' of journalism is actually lost when it is seen as a mere job. 

"Naukri karni hae" - a phrase we heard often in PTI and later in many other organisations. 

It's a cliche for a 'sarkari job wallahs'. -- From clerks to IAS - I am Sorry club babus. 

But should not be journalists - 'half rebels' by temperament.

Well, it could be on a different plane but relevant that many newspapers at one point of time failed because of 'bad business' despite 'good reporting/journalism'. In the past in many parts of the country; for many a good and well-produced newspaper have languished and died in the printing hall for lack of an efficient machinery to lift the bundles and distribute the copies. 

PTI has certain 'notable stories' and anecdotes. One relates to the 'promotion' system or the major faultline in it. 

It's linked to Delhi's "jugadu style".

One Deputy Editor promoted to the position remained in the same position even after 20 years and a trainee of mid 1990s also became 'deputy editor'.  Efficiency at the backyards. 

Many ex-PTI club members would openly and privately discuss the stories and intros of modern times. Sometime, people are surprised. I was 'dangerously shocked' to see one Vinod Raghavan made News Editor or something in Mumbai office. I have seen Raghavan from close range in the 'Free Press Journal' and he was a classic misfit to be in that role with PTI.

Another senior colleague, Sir Pattabhi -- also echoed my sentiment. Pattabhi was more specific: "When people will see Vinod Raghavan (an import from Free Press Journal) in PTI senior position; they will laugh at us".   

My 'Ahmedabad temporary blues' in 2002 made me jump into the sea and as I quit PTI - I had found myself a job in FPJ. 

Standard has gone down, many senior admit. 

Well, a tsunami is never caused by the wave itself. It is caused by an earthquake beneath and most often far from where the devastation eventually occurs. 

My frustration leaves me crazy.  

In the E-20 Jungpura extension, Kirti and me used to debate and argue a lot. One thing - we both readily agreed.

When we started with - Journalism and reporting ... and the running, hard work -- he in Pune and me in Nagaland - we used to feel "happy" about journalism.

PTI actually knew how to make us 'unhappy'.

The atmosphere was pathetically toxic. 

A soft spoken R C Rajamani felt 'depressed' on a number of occasions. Bullying worked. 

After we quit - one news was heard - someone was bashed up in the hall. 

Both Kirti and me never wished the protagonist such an experience. We knew the man in question was 'workaholic'. But .....

Toxicity had come a full circle. 

PTI - First Day Cover - 1999 : Golden Jubilee 

ends 

Was he shown a tumescent middle finger ?? ::::: Trump's Mid-term poll debacle was a "victory for the world" ::::: US power on the wane ::: What next for Iran, Russia, Israel – and the rest of the world ?

The triumphant roar of US midterm voters was a rallying cry of democratic defiance that, echoing the American revolution of 250 years ago, reverberated around the globe.  

People in the many countries that suffered pain, loss and cruel indignities at the hands of Donald Trump over the past two chaotic, fearful years celebrated a moment of glorious, shared redemption.   

The war in Iran, which started as a reckless gamble on the part of Trump, has developed into a significant strategic defeat for US imperialism. The mandate in mid-term polls has made things worse for Washington.

The White House is now a symbol of weakness both domestically and globally. 

All these would have significant consequences for the world economy, the position of America as a world power, and world relations in general.

Trump's authoritarian style was like a "monster" at the global theatre.  

It’s clear Trump is now weaker internationally as well as domestically. 

Despite his fanciful denials and contemptible attempts to shift blame, the sweeping Democratic successes represented an unmistakably personal repudiation. For foreign friends and allies, as for many Americans, the miasma of menace, the aura of invincibility surrounding Trump since 2024, has been blown away at last. 

In a self-flagellating act of egotism that ignored his rock-bottom approval ratings, he asked voters to pretend he was on the ballot. 

They obliged in huge numbers – and, acting as proxies for democrats the world over, offered him a tumescent middle finger. 

"Paradoxically, Trump’s weakness could hasten a ceasefire. Putin, beset by battlefield failures and deepening economic problems, knows his best chance of a face-saving outcome is to cut a deal while Trump remains in office. Herein lies grave danger for Ukraine and its allies. 

Trump’s amateurish negotiators may redouble their push for territorial and other concessions from Kyiv," says an article in 'The Guardian'.   

Since 27 February, the US and Israel have carried out over 24,000 strikes on military, civilian and infrastructure targets in Iran. 

Still, Iran has not been forced to give up its nuclear enrichment programme. It remains able to launch missiles and drones and hit targets in Israel and in the Gulf countries. It has maintained close links with its allies in the region – mainly Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Shia militias in Iraq. And the regime is not only in place but appears to be stronger and capable of commanding much greater popular support than at the beginning of the war.

In fact, Iran has not only proved resilient and able to absorb pain – for Tehran this is an existential war – but it has demonstrated its ability to inflict pain on its enemies and their allies, both in terms of strikes on military targets and infrastructure.  

 

Attempts by Washington to cajole the European powers into reopening the Strait of Hormuz through military force were also a failure. Germany and France were not in the mood to carry out what would have amounted to a suicide mission. 

Especially on behalf of an ‘ally’ who had gone out of his way to humiliate them a couple of months earlier by threatening to take over Greenland. Not even the usually slavish British prime minister was prepared to lend Trump a hand.

ends 

US Mid-term polls is "internal matter" of America, says MEA spokesman :::::: "India is in continuous contacts with Ukraine and Russia, and have shared certain suggestions with both"

On the US Midterm election results, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: 

"It is an internal matter of the United States. I have no specific comment on them beyond underlining that India and the United States' relationship enjoys bipartisan support in the United States." 

He further told a regular briefing that -- "India will continue to work to further strengthen our comprehensive global strategic partnership that we share with the US."

On PM Narendra Modi having a conversation with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the MEA spokesperson said:

"As you are aware, it has been our consistent position from the very beginning that peace can only be restored through diplomacy and dialogue. In recent months, you may have observed that our Prime Minister has emphasised that the ongoing conflict must come to an end—the war needs to cease. 

"Keeping this in mind, we have been in continuous communication with both Ukraine and Russia, and have shared certain suggestions with them." 

Jaiswal also stated: "The safety of vessels in the Black Sea; addressing the concerns of both nations regarding energy exports and food supplies; and exploring various non-attack possibilities. 

"We have shared our views and suggestions on these three issues with both sides. As you might have noted, our Prime Minister spoke with the President of Ukraine yesterday; both leaders presented their respective perspectives on the ongoing developments in the conflict, with a particular focus on the humanitarian aspects." 

It may be pointed out that Prime Minister Modi held a telephone conversation on Monday, Nov 9, with Ukraine President, wherein Zelenskyy shared "his perspective on recent developments related to the ongoing conflict", an official statement said.

Modi has "reaffirmed India’s human-centric approach" and reiterated India’s consistent position that the conflict must be resolved through "dialogue and diplomacy". 

The Prime Minister also conveyed India’s readiness to "contribute" to all efforts aimed at peaceful resolution of the conflict. The two leaders also discussed measures to further strengthen India-Ukraine bilateral cooperation in various sectors for the mutual benefit of the two peoples.  

The talks between Ukraine president and PM Modi came ahead of the Abu Dhabi peace talks.

The American, Ukrainian, and Russian officials are meeting in Abu Dhabi to discuss peace efforts to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has lasted over four and a half years. 

The Trump administration, represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is leading the U.S. delegation. The discussions focus on security guarantees, territorial disputes, and a potential settlement,

MEA spokesman, Jaiswal also told reporters: "They (Modi and Ukraine President) also discussed other ongoing efforts aimed at achieving peace. 

"The Prime Minister underscored India’s firm commitment to doing everything possible to help restore peace in Ukraine." 

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also spoke with his Russian Foreign Minister, Lavrov, and they discussed the diplomatic initiatives currently underway regarding the conflict in Ukraine...".  

On Nepal's PM Balendra Shah's visit to India, MEA spokesperson said:

"We have extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Nepal to visit India.  The discussions between the two sides are continuing regarding the visit... 

The entire range of bilateral relations that we have with Nepal will be discussed. This is an expansive partnership. This is a very special partnership, and all matters of mutual interest would be discussed."

On the extradition of the former prime minister of Bangladesh, he says, "This is a legal matter, and it will be dealt with accordingly."  

On Quad, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said

"Recently, you would have seen that we've had several high-level engagements of the Quad Summit. 

We also had a foreign ministers' meeting on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Atlanta. We will keep you informed of other high-level meetings of the Quad, including at the summit level."  

On Chinese vloggers reportedly livestreaming from slums in Dhaka, Jaiswal said:

"We have seen media reports in this regard. Such efforts to present a distorted picture of any country are unfortunate. 

Insofar as efforts to buy foreign elements to portray Dhaka as Delhi are concerned, the peddling of false narratives only undermines the credibility of those who are undertaking such actions and those who are behind them. 

And I would urge the authorities concerned to take action against such people."

Blogger in China : 2019 

ends 

"Mom's hug lingers long after she has let go!" ::::: Our daughter Tanvi was taught how to blow 'Shankh' Conch by my mom :::: My love for fiction reading, and belatedly writing came from my mom's love/craze for Bengali fiction.....

Ma !! left us on Nov 11, 2019  (post mid-night of Nov 10th)

My love for fiction reading, and belatedly writing came from my mom's love/craze for Bengali fiction..... 

Dad was a practical man. Real tough man as the head of the family but never showing he was tough. The unpleasant task of 'son-beating' was left for mother.

My mom's weakness !! An acclaimed artiste

Baba was never much thrilled by the idea of 'power of written words'.  

Our daughter Tanvi was taught how to blow 'Shankh' Conch  by my mom. 

I took this snap : 1988

"During their period we were blessed by your Dad & Mom like close one which we all cherished. Definitely their souls will rest in peace in heaven like such kind hearted souls. 

We prayed to Shri Krishna to bless them and rest of you to live in peace happiness and prosperity."

- Bidhan Chowdhury (and Shikha Kakimoni), (Mr Bidhan (Kaku) served in Nagaland as Sr Principal Private Secretary to the state Government and they were our neighbours in Kohima, Midland House. 

(They have two sweet daughters. The younger one ... Ms Moon (now a Delhi-based educationist) was a great 'chamchi' of my mom. She would report everything to mom ... including which films we were watching and all. )

For those taking interest in Nagaland politics may find it interesting to note that Mr Bidhan Chowdhury served as senior PPS to the then Power Minister Neiphiu Rio (present chief minister, Nagaland )   

In Nov 2025, my 'very good friend' Jacinta D'Souza, ex PTI, Mumbai and now in Australia wrote on Facebook

"A mom's hug lingers long after she has let go! 

"Your mom is with you, you need to learn to feel her heavenly presence around you. She speaks through people you know, she whispers through thoughts she plants in your head and she visits you in your dreams to let you know she hears and communicates to you but from a different world." 

Tanvi playing Shankh 2020 as my dad keeping an eye "whether it is good enough" 

It may be added; Mom also taught me - to read and write in Bangla. 

"At least letters to elders on occasions". Letter is already a vanished art !!

Dad and his gang of grand children - after Mom's demise in 2019 : Backdrop Siliguri house

 

Flower : Planted by mom in Siliguri house 

It appears now ... man making was her forte. Three brought up - her own - two sons and one daughter. 

But I am sure many of our cousins and all our Didis and Dadas and younger brothers and sisters -- who knew her when they were kids will have fond memories. Her love and affection always had the guiding theme - Spare the Rod and Spoil the Child.

Bamboo-made hockey sticks in Mizoram were her favourite 'tool' to be applied on feet of two brothers. 

Even some relatives' kids were caned by her. But she was a fantastic teacher to them. 

One or two cousins of my dad -- Mom's brothers-in-law that way would rush to her with their books and Tables (Multiples) with typical one-liner -- 

"amra Boudir kacchey porbo (We will do the learning only with Boudi)".

It is not without good reason - one such youngster (to mom) and our uncle in relation Mr Pranab Roy (Babla) a successful careerist with LIC -- rushed to Siliguri on hearing my mother's demise. He stayed with us for 15-17 days till the last rites were completed.

On the day of Shradh .... I saw him wailing leaving most of us emotional. 

That was mom.

Mom, Dad and Grand Ma (lady who spoiled the blogger) 

ends 

"Serves as an indicator of Delhi’s economic progress" :::: 'Namo Yamuna River Safari' service launched in Delhi

In a major milestone, the 'Namo Yamuna River Safari' service has been launched at Sonia Vihar in the national capital on Tuesday, Nov 10, 2026. 

The eco-friendly tourism initiative offers a 6-km round-trip experience between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.

Union Minister for Shipping and Warerways, Sarbananda Sonowal, alongside Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra, enjoyed a cruise ride on the Yamuna River.

The eco-friendly tourism initiative offers a 6-km round-trip experience between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal says, 

"...To bring this initiative to fruition and translate it into a ground-level reality, our Prime Minister Modi fulfilled the promise he made to the people of Delhi during the elections... 

For tourists—both from within the country and abroad—visiting Delhi, this offers an opportunity to spend three to four hours enjoying various recreational activities... 

We are also set to introduce new cruise services; you have already seen one such cruise. 

"There is an arrangement for a light and sound show in the evening, and further components will be added to enhance entertainment for tourists and ensure their valuable time is well spent—we will continue to explore further possibilities in the coming days...", he said.  

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said: 

"Today is a wonderful day for the residents of Delhi... This safari offers Delhiites an opportunity to get closer to the Yamuna River. By connecting with nature, families, children, and the youth of Delhi will now be able to experience the presence of the Yamuna... 

"We are addressing long-standing 'legacy' issues—such as the mountains of trash, the cleaning of the Yamuna, and various environmental challenges. The government is working on these issues 24x7, with a comprehensive, 360-degree approach... 

I assure you that this year, we will celebrate Chhath with even greater grandeur and divinity than before...".

 BJP President Harsh Malhotra says, "This is a difference in intent, a difference in leadership. It has been 18 months since CM Rekha Gupta's administration took charge in Delhi, and 27 kilometres of the Yamuna River have already been cleaned. 

"This also serves as an indicator of Delhi’s economic progress. Today, the ‘Namo Cruise’ is operating here; it boosts Delhi’s tourism and strengthens its economy. For the first time, the people of Delhi will be able to experience the Yamuna River while aboard this cruise...".  

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari says, "This is a wonderful gift for Delhi... 

Spanning 28 kilometres of the Yamuna River, starting from upstream of Wazirabad, this initiative is being overseen by a dedicated team. 

I assure the residents of Delhi: if you feel like it, do pay a visit—just be sure to register online so you don’t have to wait... 

"There is potential for more such launches; in fact, discussions are already underway to bring in a second boat, ensuring that while one is in operation, another is ready to go."

ends 

Sheikh Hasina's demand for Passport denied by Bangladesh Govt :::: A former Indian diplomat says - "... Give her a travel document; she will be back, and then the legal process can take its course"

The BNP Govt in Bangladesh might have played a good diplomatic game by keeping former PM Sheikh Hasina at bay. 

Rejecting passport on technical ground or otherwise would also mean Dhaka does not want to create any fresh political row by allowing protests and rallies by the Awami League leadership and cadres.  

Bangladesh has ruled out the possibility of issuing Sheikh Hasina 'a new passport'.

Instead Dhaka is insisting that she must "return to Bangladesh through the existing extradition procedures" between India and Bangladesh. 

On Sheikh Hasina seeking a fresh passport and national identity card to facilitate her return to Bangladesh, former Indian Diplomat Veena Sikri said: 

"Sheikh Hasina has clearly announced that she wants to go back and is prepared to face the courts in Bangladesh. It is a logical move for her to apply for a travel document because they have cancelled her passport...".  

Bangladesh first formally sought her extradition through a diplomatic note verbale in December 2024 and renewed the request following her conviction in November 2025. Hasina has lately reiterated her resolve to return to Bangladesh this December.

Dhaka’s extradition request included the required legal documents under the 2013 India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty. The treaty provides for the surrender of individuals charged with or convicted of offences, while excluding certain political offences. 

However, it lists serious crimes, including murder, manslaughter, assault and incitement to murder, that cannot automatically be treated as political offences.

Ms Sikri also said:

"The reaction of the Bangladesh government has been very surprising because the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Humayun Kabir, is still harping on extradition. 

Now, it is very clear from his focus on so-called extradition that they do not want Sheikh Hasina to go back"

She further opined:  

"... Just give her a travel document; she will be back, and then the legal process can take its course.... The extradition process takes two to three years...". 

Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reportedly applied for a new Bangladeshi passport and National Identity Card, with a UK-based legal advisory firm, Matrix Chambers, emailing the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi to request their issuance on her behalf.  

Hasina’s passport and NID were revoked during the tenure of the interim government. Matrix Chambers sent the email on November 9, seeking new travel and identity documents for Hasina.  Speaking to 'The Daily Star', Bangladesh mission’s press minister, Md Saidur Rahman, said they had received an email from an organisation called Matrix Chambers requesting Hasina’s passport and NID. The firm claimed to be Hasina’s legal counsel.

“We are not sure whether the request is genuine. There is no way for us to establish that the request was made on behalf of Sheikh Hasina, as the email sent by the law firm did not include any document or proof of her authorisation. Still, we have forwarded the email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he said.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Bangladesh official said passports and NIDs were highly personal documents and that a legal representative could process such applications only with proper authorisation from the individual concerned.  

Asked how she could return to Bangladesh without a valid travel document, the official said a passport was a state privilege, not a right, and that governments could revoke passports to prevent criminals from fleeing.

“To repatriate or extradite someone, our missions normally issue a one-way travel pass. Once India completes Hasina’s legal process, we will be able to issue that pass,” the official added.

Sheikh Hasina has been staying in India since fleeing Bangladesh in the face of a mass uprising in August 2024. 

In November 2025, she was sentenced to death in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity.

ends 

Differences and Rivalries between K C Venugopal and V. D. Satheesan far from over :::: A new book "published in Dubai" further embarrasses Rahul Gandhi's close aide

It has not not come at a right time for the Congress. The high command is undecided - should it celebrate the "success" of Nov 1 Ram Lila ground rally or should it think of new strategies as the SIR issue has lost its steam. 

The rivalry between six-term MLA V D Satheesan, now chief minister, and Rahul Gandhi's trusted aide K C Venugopal is far from over. In April-May this year; Satheesan had led the Congress-led UDF’s poll campaign. He had declared that if the UDF failed to win less than 100 of Kerala’s 140 seats, he would “quit politics and go into exile”. 

He was right and the alliance eventually crossed that mark. The Congress emerged the single largest party with 63 seats and the UDF won 102 seats. But when it came to selection of chief ministership; Venugopal wanted to make full use of his right contacts. 

VD Satheesan with KC Venugopal, Shashi Tharoor and Rahul and others during the Bharat Jodo Yatra 

Satheesan won the first round. But leaking their wounds; the Venugopal camp had given one-year deadline promising their 'faction of legislators' that the incumbent chief minister would be ousted by May-June 2027. 

Now a new book has been released in Dubai. It has certain serious allegations against Venugopal. The author is a woman Congress activist from Keralam, Ms Vani Prayag. According to reports; about the book she said - 

"Even if no one else in the world reads this book, he will track it down and read it.” 

I say this is Malayali 'style' of putting things across. And it is quite a powerful message and a serious allegation. 

Vani has shared an AI-generated image showing K.C. Venugopal holding her book titled “Udalum Njanum Thammil” (Between My Body and Me). 

The title itself is controversial and has 'double meaning' messaging. 

The Facebook post states that she is a scapegoat in Kerala politics. 

Are all these related to Venugopal-Satheesan rivalry? Politics is an art of the possible.  

Vani also says: " ..... the face of that wolf in sheep's clothing... I and my book are at the Haritham stall in the Sharjah Book Fair..... 

Many things that the world needs to know... I am beginning to speak. Let the world read... my dreams that once ended up confined to some newspaper headlines....".

Following the Congress-led UDF victory in the May 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, Venugopal and V. D. Satheesan had emerged as the two primary contenders for the Chief Minister post. 

They represented distinct political roles and organizational backgrounds within the Kerala Congress.  Satheesan had the backing of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) because of his staunch opposition to Hindu caste groups such as SNDP.  

Satheesan also enjoyed support from the Kerala Congress (Joseph) faction as well as grassroots party workers. In political sense; unlike "Delhi's Venugopal"; the chief minister was considered as an accessible, clean-image state leader with a direct track record.  

Venugopal was reportedly backed by a significant majority of newly elected Congress MLAs (around 40) of the 63 Congress legislators are said to have enjoyed the blessings of 'resource coordination'. 

Now the issue is how far would this rivalry go ? 

Blogger 

“I do not see this position as a personal achievement... it was Venugopal who coordinated all the activities (and) his support was immense," Satheesan said for records after he was elected legislature party leader. 

Venugopal returned the gesture politely. "I was saying the decision of the High Command will prevail...," he said. 

But all that glitters is not gold. Politicians know how to work against each other despite being best of friends and party colleagues. 

The same problem has come back.  But Keralam has own peculiarities. 

The LDF's defeat in Kerala marks for the first time in 50 years that no state in India has any Communist party in power on its own. This is especially true in case of the CPI(M), which was founded in 1964 & formed the world's first democratically elected Communist government in Kerala under E. M. S. Namboodiripad in 1967.

In the 140-member assembly, IUML has 22 MLAs. The BJP is a marginal force with just 3 MLAs and so even if the Congress house is burning; it is no position to do anything extra ordinary. 

However, the fact that the Lotus party is in power in Delhi gives it some space for necessary game plans. The central agencies can be made use of 'directly or indirectly' by either Venugopal camp or by the state chief minister himself. 

In the past, one CPI-M leader A. P. Abdullakutty suddenly joined BJP. Many say, he was always a good friend of Venugopal.

Abdullakutty 

ends