THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as the state Congress leadership is demanding a quick decision on the new KPCC president, the AICC has decided not to rush as it is a politically sensitive matter. The AICC is unlikely to take a call before Onam, preferring consultations with all stakeholders to a hurried decision.
The high command may have shortlisted few names for KPCC president, but the appointment is being delayed as Chief Minister V D Satheesan and AICC organisational general secretary K C Venugopal have chosen not to back any particular aspirant. Both leaders are keen to avoid taking ownership of a decision that could upset Kerala’s delicate factional balance.
Meanwhile, senior leader and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala met the party’s central leaders on Thursday, and reportedly sought to appoint the PCC chief without further delay.
The high command has prioritised organisational changes in Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. “Kerala has a new government and there is no immediate organisational urgency compared to other states,” said a senior leader. The AICC has reportedly conveyed this position to senior leaders from Kerala.
Kodikunnil Suresh and former UDF chairman Benny Behanan were among the early frontrunners. Mathew Kuzhalnadan and Shafi Parambil later entered the race, while Joseph Vazhakkan and Anto Antony are also in contention. Kodikunnil is close to Satheesan, while Mathew and Shafi are considered close to Venugopal. Benny enjoys support across factions, while Vazhakkan has the backing of Ramesh Chennithala.
The process stalled after both Satheesan and Venugopal decided against backing a candidate. Satheesan has reportedly told the leadership that the new KPCC chief should work in tandem with the government, while Venugopal has favoured an organisational process similar to the one held during the selection of parliamentary party leader to identify the president, apparently keen to avoid controversy by backing any particular leader.
The delay is causing concern in the state unit. With KPCC president Sunny Joseph and working presidents A P Anil Kumar and P C Vishnunath joining the cabinet, and six DCC presidents becoming MLAs, the party machinery is without full-time leadership. Sunny had informed the AICC of his willingness to step down soon after he joined the cabinet.
“The absence of leadership is affecting both the party and the government. The party has to support and defend the government. If Tamil Nadu could appoint a PCC chief despite having no assembly election in near future, why is Kerala being delayed?” asked a senior leader.
KPCC and DCC reorganisation can begin only after the new president is appointed. The delay has exposed the difficulty the high command faces in balancing competing power centres in Kerala. Rahul Gandhi’s special interest in Kerala affairs, Venugopal’s position as AICC organisational general secretary from the state and Priyanka Gandhi’s representation in Parliament have added to the complexity.
The real countdown is expected to begin after Onam, when the high command is likely to examine Deepa Dasmunsi’s report and begin consultations with Kerala leaders.
