Thiruvananthapuram: Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala emphasised his longstanding rapport with community organisations on Sunday, responding to discussions over prominent leaders endorsing him as the Chief Ministerial candidate for the 2026 Assembly polls. Speaking to the media, Chennithala said, “As KPCC president, Leader of the Opposition, and Home Minister, I have always maintained good relations with community organisations, which is essential for any public servant.”

Chennithala expressed pride in being invited as the keynote speaker at the birth anniversary celebrations of Mannathu Padmanabhan, the founder of the Nair Service Society (NSS), reported PTI. “It is up to the organisers to decide whom to invite. I feel both happy and proud to participate in the Mannam Jayanti meeting,” he said.

The invitation from the NSS has fuelled speculation about shifting dynamics within the Congress party ahead of the state elections. In 2013, NSS General Secretary G Sukumaran Nair had publicly sought a prominent role for Chennithala in the Oommen Chandy-led Congress government, but Chennithala had declined, expressing his reluctance to be identified as a community leader. This had strained their relationship for some time.

SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan also weighed in, expressing support for Chennithala. Responding to Natesan's comments, Chennithala noted that community leaders play a significant role in society, and he respects their views. “Community organisations are entitled to express their opinions on who should become the Chief Minister,” he added.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President K Sudhakaran echoed this sentiment, stating that organisations have the right to share their perspectives. Sudhakaran clarified that the party has not yet discussed its Chief Ministerial candidate, as the focus remains on strengthening the Congress to ensure victory in the 2026 elections.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan remarked that the NSS's invitation to Chennithala could be advantageous for the Congress party. Addressing criticism from Vellappally Natesan, Satheesan stated, “I never believed I was above criticism,” underscoring his openness to differing viewpoints.