It’s learnt that Congress president Sonia Gandhi has asked Prof K V Thomas MP if he’s interested to take up the KPCC president’s post. When contacted, Prof Thomas confirmed this to ‘Express’ but added that he’s right now happy in Delhi, where he’s carved a niche for himself in the political circles. Further, as Public Accounts Committee chairman he has additional responsibilities too.
V D Satheesan, the 52-year-old MLA from Paravoor and a KPCC vice-president, is a strong candidate as he has taken clear stands on various tricky issues when others were found wanting. But, it remains to be seen whether he is acceptable to all the groups, or not.
At a recent KPCC meeting, Satheesan had said that leaders like Antony had replaced stalwarts like R Sankar when they were in their early 30s. “I have nothing more than what I said at the meeting,” he said when asked about his chances. The hint is crystal clear: if the old-guards don’t move out, they should be removed.
Added Balram, who can also emerge as a surprise choice for the post of KPCC chief, “we want a generational change in the party leadership in Kerala. What is happening right now is that both the groups want a replacement from their respective groups. That is not what the Congress workers wanted.”
“Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan is also a likely candidate. But, the fact that he does not command support from both the factions works against him,” said sources.
In the case of M M Hassan, everything except the caste is against him, while it works in favour of Mullappally Ramachandran who is from the northern part of the State. The generational shift and the religious equation work in favour of P T Thomas, the MLA from Thrikkakara who like Satheesan is known for taking up serious issues, besides keeping the ruling party on their toes.
K Muraleedharan, who is also in the race for the KPCC president post, said: “The high command has heard the party workers and leaders from Kerala. Since the Parliament is in session, the MPs from Kerala are in Delhi, which is helping (party vice-president) Rahul Gandhi to get their views.” As far as the chances of Prof K V Thomas are concerned, insiders say he needs the support of both the leading factions. According to sources close to Thomas, he is confident of getting the support of Ramesh Chennithala, who is leading the ‘I’ faction, but doubtful of securing support of the ‘A’ group led by former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who according to insiders would not start a new innings at the KPCC, in view of the poll debacle.