Guruvayur

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Friday broke his silence after being denied the post of Kerala Chief Minister by the party high command, congratulating V D Satheesan, who was named for the top post.

Amid continuing speculation over his entry into the Satheesan-led government, the senior Congress MLA said that the chief minister has the prerogative to decide the composition of the Cabinet.

Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the Lord Krishna temple here, Chennithala said the people’s verdict in the Assembly elections was aimed at freeing the state from 10 years of Left rule and added that UDF workers would stand united behind Satheesan.

"The chief minister will decide who should be included in the Cabinet," he said, when asked whether he would be part of the ministry.

"I welcome the high command’s decision. I believe he will have the support of all Congress-UDF workers. I wish him all the best," Chennithala said, a day after the Paravoor MLA was named the next chief minister of Kerala.

Chennithala had left his residence in Thiruvananthapuram soon after the AICC announced Satheesan for the top post on Thursday.

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Chennithala was also among those considered for the CM post.

When the AICC announcement was made, reporters had gathered at Chennithala’s residence at Vazhuthacaud here. However, he had left for the Guruvayur Temple.