The exclusion of Chandy Oommen, son of former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, from the newly formed UDF cabinet has sent shockwaves through Kerala’s political landscape. What many expected to be a natural inclusion turned into a calculated political move orchestrated by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, revealing deep factional rivalries within the Congress party.

Chandy Oommen was widely considered a strong contender for a ministerial position. His educational qualifications, his massive victory margin from Puthuppally in the by-election, and the legacy of his father made him a prominent choice. Senior Congress leaders including Ramesh Chennithala, K.C. Venugopal, and others had backed his candidacy during initial discussions.

However, in the final moments, the script changed. V.D. Satheesan wielded his authority as Chief Minister to alter the list, dropping Chandy Oommen and bringing in T. Siddique instead. The reasons Satheesan cited — the need for a representative from Wayanad and ensuring Muslim representation — appeared to mask a deeper agenda.

Political observers believe this was a calculated move to simultaneously appease the Muslim League and eliminate a rising political force within the Congress. Satheesan’s decision has been widely criticized as an act of vengeance rooted in a 15-year-old grievance.

The origins of this rivalry trace back to 2011, when Oommen Chandy became Chief Minister. V.D. Satheesan, then a promising young leader, was denied a ministerial berth. Since then, Satheesan had been a constant thorn in the Oommen Chandy government, forming a dissident group called Haritha MLAs and making repeated statements against his own government. During the Solar scam controversy, it was Satheesan’s faction, not the opposition, that mounted the most aggressive attacks against Oommen Chandy.

After Oommen Chandy’s death, Satheesan publicly mourned, but within months, his stance shifted. From the day Chandy Oommen won the Puthuppally by-election, Satheesan allegedly began plotting to undermine him. The recent revival of the Solar scam discussion through Shafi Parambil’s adjournment motion is seen as part of this ongoing strategy.

Another dangerous dimension of this cabinet formation is what critics call “Political Islam appeasement.” Satheesan used religious representation as a weapon to exclude Chandy Oommen, a Christian. While K.M. Shaji, who faced court rebukes for hate speech, was given a ministerial post, Chandy Oommen was left out. This has led to growing concerns within Congress about the party’s appeasement of Muslim League at the expense of Christian vote bank.

The Orthodox Church’s reaction has been significant. Church leaders questioned whether the leadership failed to understand public sentiment. Chandy Oommen’s strength lies not in backroom deals but in his direct connect with the people — he won a historic mandate without flex boards or loud campaigns.

Despite the setback, Chandy Oommen remains composed. When his supporters protested at the swearing-in ceremony, he personally pacified them. “My faith is not in positions but in the love of the people,” he said. Yet beneath his calm words lies the bitterness of a betrayal carefully stitched by Satheesan.

The youth within Congress, particularly those who admire Chandy Oommen, have begun to resist Satheesan’s authoritarian tendencies. Social media campaigns are already painting Satheesan as a smiling CM, but the smile may not last long. In 2026, Satheesan answered the humiliation of 2011, but what he forgets is that Oommen Chandy is not just a name — it is an emotion. Tampering with that emotion may have consequences Satheesan hasn’t anticipated.

Chandy Oommen, the fighter, will continue to grow. A leader who commands such public affection despite being denied power is a leader to watch. The political chess move that Satheesan played may well turn against him in the days to come.