Thiruvananthapuram: As factional struggles and power tussles over the leadership change within the state Congress intensified, indications emerged that the Congress High Command has temporarily postponed the move to appoint a new KPCC president. The division between the faction supporting Chief Minister V.D. Satheeshan and leaders close to AICC Organisation General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, each backing different candidates for the presidency, has rendered the leadership change uncertain. The appointment of a new president, expected to be announced within this month, is now likely to be delayed. The central leadership appears inclined to have the current KPCC president, Sunny Joseph, continue until the disputes are resolved.
Given that the Congress-led government in the state is entering its sixth month in power, the Chief Minister V.D. Satheeshan insists on strengthening coordination between governance and party organization. He demands that the KPCC president must be a leader willing to work alongside him and cooperate in organizational decisions. The faction aligned with Satheeshan is considering Lok Sabha Chief Whip and senior Congress leader Kodikunnil Suresh for the post.
Conversely, the faction supporting K.C. Venugopal advocates for Revenue Minister A.P. Anilkumar's appointment as KPCC president. They argue that Anilkumar's extensive organizational experience would greatly benefit the party. Thus, the contest for the presidency has evolved beyond a mere rivalry between two senior leaders into a political move determining the balance of power within the state Congress.
The Satheeshan faction contends that appointing a serving minister as party president barely months after the ministry assumed office—and having him resign from the ministry—would adversely affect government functioning and public perception. They urge avoiding decisions that pave the way for cabinet reshuffles at this critical juncture demanding administrative stability.
Moreover, the Satheeshan camp emphasizes that choosing Kodikunnil Suresh as president would ensure greater Dalit representation at the party's top leadership level and strengthen social equilibrium. Reports suggest that Kodikunnil has the backing of senior leaders such as A.K. Antony, V.M. Sudheeran, and Mullappally Ramachandran. Their close rapport with Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi is expected to influence the final decision on the presidency, according to the Satheeshan faction.
In public statements, Mullappally Ramachandran has asserted that no serving minister should resign to assume the KPCC presidency, lending political support to this viewpoint. Meanwhile, A.P. Anilkumar has said he is prepared to relinquish any post if called upon by the party, signaling his willingness to comply with the High Command's decision and keeping his candidacy alive.
At the same time, the Satheeshan faction has intensified demands not only for the change of KPCC president but also for a reorganization at the post of UDF convener. Given that the current convener, Adoor Prakash, has publicly taken a stance against the Chief Minister, leadership changes are seen as necessary to ensure better cohesion within the front.
If Kodikunnil Suresh becomes KPCC president, suggestions have also arisen within the faction to appoint Joseph Vazhakkan as UDF convener, considering community and organizational balance.
Meanwhile, other leaders including Benny Behanan and Rajmohan Unnithan are reported to be maneuvering politically for the KPCC presidency. The presence of multiple contenders complicates the High Command's decision-making process. There is concern that announcing a president favoring one faction could spark strong protests and organizational non-cooperation from the opposition faction. Fear that tough decisions could result in infighting and factionalism within the party contributed to the leadership change being postponed.
During this ongoing dispute over the KPCC president post, the High Command has instructed the incumbent Sunny Joseph to become more active in organizational affairs. Accordingly, he has convened a meeting of the KPCC Political Affairs Committee to evaluate party activities and is making preparations to tour all districts with the inclusion of three working presidents.
Priority during this tour will be on strengthening district Congress committees, revitalizing grassroots organizational structures, and resolving differences among leaders. This initiative aims both to improve relations between the government and the party and to prevent internal discord from spilling into public forums.
As senior leaders intensify their moves to consolidate influence in state governance and party organization, the KPCC president selection poses a major political challenge for the Congress High Command. The central leadership appears focused on creating an opportunity for consensus that regains the trust of all factions. Until a resolution is reached, it is expected that Sunny Joseph will continue as KPCC president to carry forward organizational activities.
The High Command now faces the challenge of resolving the KPCC presidency dispute while preserving the balance of power within the state Congress and protecting the internal unity of the UDF.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
