Kodikunnil eyes KPCC president post; four leaders including Shafi Parambil on the list

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following the Congress party's historic victory in the Assembly elections, discussions are underway for a major reshuffle in the KPCC. The party leadership is reportedly considering four names to replace Sunny Joseph as KPCC president, as he is being considered for a ministerial position. The leaders being considered for the post are Benny Behanan, Kodikunnil Suresh, Shafi Parambil and Anto Antony.

Meanwhile, Kodikunnil Suresh met Mallikarjun Kharge and requested that he be considered for the KPCC president post. He reportedly argued that, as an experienced leader from the Dalit community, he deserves the position this time. During the hour-long meeting, Kodikunnil also spoke about the neglect he has faced within the party. He said he is a senior leader with experience and that he had earlier been overlooked despite deserving the post. He also highlighted the party’s major victory in reserved constituencies before the national leadership.

At the same time, Congress leaders in Kerala are said to be upset and disappointed over the delay in deciding the Chief Minister. The central leadership is reportedly concerned that choosing K. C. Venugopal, who is currently a Member of Parliament, over Ramesh Chennithala and V. D. Satheesan could trigger protests and internal conflicts within the Kerala Congress. There are concerns that factional groups within the party could become more active and affect the functioning of the government. Reports also suggest that Satheesan informed Rahul Gandhi that he does not support K. C. Venugopal becoming Chief Minister.

After returning from Delhi, V. D. Satheesan spent time in Paravur yesterday and met leaders who visited his home. Ramesh Chennithala, who had stayed back in Delhi for personal matters after Saturday’s discussions, returned later in the evening.