KC Venugopal: Public, party above individuals

T'puram: AICC general secretary K C Venugopal has publicly backed the Congress high command's decision to appoint V D Satheesan as Kerala's next chief minister, stressing that party and public interest must always take precedence over individual ambitions. Reacting for the first time after the leadership announcement in New Delhi, Venugopal said he fully accepts the high command's decision and pledged complete support to Satheesan and the incoming govt. "I am a committed Congress worker. The party and the people are bigger than anyone else," he said. Venugopal maintained that all debates surrounding the leadership question had become irrelevant once the high command arrived at its decision after weighing every aspect of the matter. He also clarified that he had deliberately stayed away from the public announcement process, as the issue directly concerned Kerala politics. Congratulating Satheesan, Venugopal said he wholeheartedly welcomed him as chief minister and expressed confidence that the new govt would meet the expectations of Kerala's people. He reiterated his full cooperation and support to both the incoming chief minister and his administration. Venugopal also appealed to his supporters to respect and accept the high command's decision, reaffirming his long-standing commitment to abiding by party decisions. "I will continue as a committed Congress worker," he said. Responding to criticism from within the party during the leadership discussions, Venugopal said he was prepared to face all allegations. "Those who want to attack me can continue to do so," he said, without elaborating further. He declined to answer questions on whether UDF allies had influenced the high command's final choice. Asked about his future as AICC organisation general secretary in light of recent developments, Venugopal responded in a lighter vein: "I am ready to give up that post as well, if you are really keen enough."