THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As disputes between the V D Satheesan-Ramesh Chennithala group and K C Venugopal faction reached deadlock, final decision on candidates for the contentious seats was referred to the Congress Central Election Committee (CEC) on Wednesday. The CEC meeting had not concluded at the time of printing.
“The Satheesan-Chennithala faction, which suffered setbacks in the first list, came prepared and remained adamant during the meeting held earlier in the day. The group raised objections on every seat,” said a Congress leader.
“Despite cajoling by working presidents A P Anil Kumar, P C Vishnunath and Shafi Parambil, they did not concede. Hence, it was decided to refer the matter to the CEC,” he said. Discussions over candidates for Kochi and Perumbavoor seats saw a heated debate.
While Satheesan argued in favour of his confidant, DCC president Mohammed Shiyas, the Venugopal faction backed Deepti Mary Varghese.
“The two sides remained firm,” said a leader. “Satheesan cannot afford to lose Shiyas in Ernakulam, as it would alter power equations in the district.” In Perumbavoor, dispute arose after the high command decided to drop sitting MLA Eldhose P Kunnappillil. Satheesan staked claim to the seat by proposing his loyalist Ullas.
However, several leaders, including MP Benny Behanan, have demanded the ticket be allotted to former district panchayat president Manoj Moothedan.
Disputes over names in Thiruvananthapuram district too
There are disputes in seats in Thiruvananthapuram district too. In Nedumangad, there is strong opposition to fielding Meenankal Kumar, who joined the Congress from CPI a few months ago.
Leaders opposing his candidature have proposed the name of youth leader Sudheer Sha Palode.
In Vamanapuram, Satheesan is backing former DCC president Palode Ravi, while his rivals demand Sudheer.
In Neyyattinkara, the state leadership failed to reach a consensus between picking former speaker N Sakthan and Usha Kumari.
Also, after Satheesan objected to KPCC vice-president M Liju’s name for Tripunithura, the high command is considering him for Kayamkulam, as survey reports are against fielding Aritha Babu.
Party leaders also said Sandeep Varier was sidelined as the leadership does not agree with his style of functioning.