As uncertainty continues over the selection of Kerala’s next Chief Minister, the Congress high command has summoned all former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) presidents to New Delhi for consultations.
Former KPCC presidents VM Sudheeran, Mullappally Ramachandran, K Sudhakaran, K Muraleedharan, and MM Hasan have been called to the national capital to participate in discussions regarding the leadership issue.
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AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal is reportedly enjoying the support of a majority of the 63 Congress MLAs, while Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing Assembly VD Satheesan has strong backing from public sentiment as well as key UDF allies, including the Indian Union Muslim League.
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Former state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala’s camp is also staking claim to the top post, citing his seniority and administrative experience.
Reports suggest that the AICC leadership decided to hold extensive discussions with former KPCC presidents following the advice of senior Congress leader AK Antony.
The high command is also preparing to widen consultations amid growing indications that KC Venugopal’s name is gaining prominence for the Chief Minister’s post.
The Congress leadership reportedly believes it has the responsibility to convince constituent parties and state leaders if it decides to appoint K.C. Venugopal — who did not contest the Assembly election — as Chief Minister.
At the same time, the leadership is carefully considering the possible political implications of overlooking V.D. Satheesan, who led the party during the election campaign, and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala.
There are indications that favourable PR campaigns for VD Satheesan and emotional appeals from party cadres are influencing the ongoing discussions. Another round of consultations with leaders of constituent parties is also likely.
The official announcement regarding Kerala’s new Chief Minister is expected after a meeting between Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge. Sources indicate that a final decision may be announced within the next two days following discussions with the former KPCC presidents in New Delhi.
Meanwhile, VD Satheesan, KC Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala, all considered frontrunners for the post, have publicly stated that they will abide by any decision taken by the Congress high command.
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