Deadlock in Delhi: Congress High Command Summons Senior Leaders Over Kerala CM Choice
The Congress party hierarchy has stepped up its attempts to find a way out of the leadership crisis in Kerala, convening former KPCC presidents and other senior leaders of the state for an important meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday. It is being held precisely one week after the UDF won a sweeping election victory over the LDF, which had ruled the state for the past decade. Although the Congress itself bagged 63 of the total 140 seats, it continues to engage in a triangular power struggle for the position of Chief Minister.
Three leaders have emerged from the struggle as serious contenders for the coveted post; they include:
- V.D. Satheesan: Outgoing Leader of the Opposition, who led the fight against the LDF government and has the support of the majority of alliance members, including the IUML.
- K.C. Venugopal: AICC General Secretary (Organisation) and a trusted adviser to the Gandhi family, whose possible entry into state politics has gained significant traction among a certain group of newly elected MLAs.
- Ramesh Chennithala: The seasoned senior leader who has made it clear that he is ready to accept the party’s decision but is equally assertive about his credentials of seniority and experience.
After the CLP endorsed a one-liner resolution to allow Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to take a decision on Friday, the party leaders have been trying to ensure that any infighting does not cast a shadow on the victory.
The sources say that Tuesday’s discussion will try to arrive at a wider consensus beyond the three contestants. The high command believes that by including past KPCC presidents and senior leaders, they can strike a balance between “public sentiment” and “generational change.”
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates
Click Here for Chhattisgarh News
Click Here for Entertainment News