Kochi: Opposition V D Satheesan on Friday strongly refuted allegations that he had interfered in the selection of Kochi Corporation Mayor, asserting that the process strictly adhered to the organisational guidelines laid down by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).

Responding to the public dissent raised by senior leader Deepthy Mary Varghese, who alleged she was sidelined despite assurances, Satheesan sought to turn the narrative on its head, remarking that his only “mistake” was refusing to impose a decision from the top.

Speaking to the media in Kochi, Satheesan dismissed the controversy over the selection of V K Minimol as Mayor, stating that state leaders have no role in micromanaging local body selections once the election is over.

“The allegation against me is that I did not interfere,” Satheesan said, referring to the complaints about his silence during the final selection process. “I did not interfere, and I maintain that I should not have. No one should interfere. Positions should not be filled based on our personal likes or dislikes. There is a clear procedure laid out in the KPCC circular, and that is what must be followed,” he said.

Satheesan clarified that the party had announced mayoral candidates in advance only for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. For all other corporations, including Kochi and Thrissur, the leadership relied on post-election procedures mandated by the party. “We did not announce candidates in advance for Thrissur or Ernakulam. In places where candidates were not pre-announced, the KPCC circular dictates the procedure. It is applicable to everyone, from panchayats to municipalities,” he said.

The Opposition Leader also categorically rejected reports suggesting that the Latin Catholic Church or other community leadership had exerted pressure to select specific candidates. “No church has told any of us (who to pick). Neither the DCC President nor I received any such demand. Everyone belongs to some community, but it is incorrect to say they were chosen because of it. We did not select candidates based on community quotas,” he said.

Addressing the grievances of Deepthy Mary Varghese, Satheesan normalised the friction, suggesting that ambition is natural in politics. “It is not a crime to desire a post. In Thiruvananthapuram, many BJP leaders desired the mayoral post, but only one could be selected. If anyone feels the procedure was violated, the KPCC will examine it,” he added.

Defends Thrissur Mayor selection
Satheesan also defended the selection of Dr Niji Justin as the Mayor of Thrissur, which had also sparked internal debates. “Dr Niji Justin is someone I have known for years in the Congress party. She is a gynaecologist who, at one point, even set aside her medical profession to work in politics. It is unfair to criticise such dedicated workers,” he said.

Satheesan also reiterated the UDF’s political stance, declaring that the coalition would not hold power in any local body with the support of the BJP, CPM, or SDPI. "If any UDF candidate wins with such support, they have been directed to resign immediately," he said.