India, May 17 -- The decision to appoint six-time MLA and senior leader V.D. Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Keralam is the outcome of multiple flip-flops where the Gandhi family appeared divided, but in the end demonstrated absolute unity.

The Congress has wrested power in the state from the Left front, and was thus eager that it should be able to consolidate its position there. There were three prominent and capable contenders to choose from-V.D. Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and AICC organizing secretary KC Venugopal. Some party leaders were keen that K.C. Venugopal, who appeared very eager to go to his state, should be sent. Many of them genuinely felt that he was the best person to lead the Congress there. However, there wer...