KOCHI: The young brigade in the Congress - the new group in the party in Kerala - will not back off from their demand for a fresh face for the Rajya Sabha seat even as senior leaders rallied behind themselves on Monday, setting aside group differences in a move seen as rearguard action.
The fivesome MLAs - V T Balram, Shafi Parambil, Roji M John, Anil Akkara and Hibi Eden - will communicate their demand for a new face for the Rajya Sabha to party president Rahul Gandhi who will meet senior leaders from Kerala in New Delhi on Thursday.
The movement by the young Congress leaders also has the backing of a large section of young party members and even seniors who have been denied any key posts despite toiling for the party for several decades, sources said.
The movement by the young MLAs now, reminiscent of the 'Thiruthalvadi (dissident) group in 1992, comprising the trio of G Karthikeyan, Ramesh Chennithala and M I Shanavas, has ruffled the senior leaders so much so that P J Kurien, Vayalar Ravi and Oommen Chandy made public their opinion supporting Kurien's candidature for the Rajya Sabha again.
However, it is learnt the High Command is more or less decided not to give another term for Kurien, who has completed his third term in the Rajya Sabha. Kurien is also a six-time Lok Sabha member since 1984, making the party High Command look for a new face in the face of strong opposition from young leaders.
Sources said the most likely candidate to replace Kurien is Shanimol Usman who has rich experience as Mahila Congress state president and who is the first woman from Kerala to become AICC secretary. Shanimol, who is from the minority Muslim community, also enjoys the support from the rank and file of the party.
It is learnt both Ramesh and KPCC president M M Hassan are accompanying Chandy to Delhi as he takes charge as AICC general secretary in charge of Andhra Pradesh. Former KPCC president V M Sudheeran will also be meeting the Congress president which will help the latter to get a different perspective.
Though K Muraleedharan MLA and former KPCC chief is reportedly the top contender for the UDF convenor post, sources said the party would decide on the post only after deciding on the new KPCC president. One thing is for sure.
There will be a new KPCC president, a UDF convenor and a new Rajya Sabha candidate by the end of this week, said a source.
Significantly, Rahul's meeting with leaders from Kerala on Thursday will not see a direct hearing from the youngsters who have raised the banner of revolt against the veterans. We will communicate directly with Rahulji through email. We have full confidence in the High Command that the points raised by us will be heard, said one of the five MLAs. In this issue, the young MLAs who raised their dissent voice are standing united, said a youth leader. Unlike previous years, the upcoming reshuffle may also break the traditional system of appointments based on community and group.
As far as Muraleedharan's chances are concerned, as UDF convenor, his acceptance among the constituents mainly with IUML and his leadership qualities may draw support for him.
Recently, the LDF had appointed A Vijayaraghavan as convener replacing senior leader Vaikom Viswan, considering the latter's health issues.