Kerala CM says he has forgiven expelled Congress leader after apology

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Wednesday said he has forgiven expelled Congress leader Anil Kumar, popularly known as Chenthi Anil, who was recently arrested for allegedly blocking his official convoy. Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Mr. Satheesan said he holds no grudge against Mr. Kumar and that the former leader's apology after coming out of jail had elevated him.

"When he apologised to me, he became the bigger person and I became the smaller one. That is how I felt. So, I forgave him as well. I have no grudge against him," the Chief Minister said.

Mr. Kumar was arrested after he and others allegedly blocked the Chief Minister's convoy while Mr. Satheesan was travelling to a function. Police said the group was demanding that Mr. Satheesan attend an event that was not part of his official schedule. The Congress party subsequently removed Mr. Kumar from its ranks.

Mr. Satheesan had earlier explained that he skipped a Sree Narayana Jayanti programme at Chenthi two weeks ago after being told the organiser had a criminal background. He said local party workers and a police report had alerted him to the matter.

After being granted bail last week, Mr. Kumar expressed regret over his conduct and apologised to the Chief Minister. "I said several inappropriate things in the heat of the moment, and I deeply regret it. I did not expect the matter to escalate like this," he had said, adding that he would personally apologise if given the chance.