Amid internal rift, Chacko resigns as NCP state prez

IN WHAT could be termed as an anti-climax of sorts, P C Chacko finally quit as NCP state president.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @T'Puram

Chacko was forced to step down following stiff internal opposition, which was set off by the factional feud over the party's cabinet berth. There are indications that Chacko decided to quit after the two factions, led by A K Saseendran and Thomas K Thomas, settled their differences and united against him.

The veteran leader, however, will continue as the party's national working president. Chacko sent his resignation to party national chief Sharad Pawar. It's learnt that the national leadership hasn't as yet accepted the resignation. Speculation is rife that Kuttanad MLA Thomas K Thomas could succeed Chacko as state chief, an arrangement the Saseendran faction is in favour of.

The NCP has for some time been rocked by an open tussle between two party MLAs—forest minister Saseendran and Thomas—over the cabinet berth.