Congress high command short lists three leaders for Kerala party president

Thiruvananthapuram, 13 August

The Congress high command has shortlisted three leaders for the post of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president as part of an organisational revamp aimed at strengthening coordination between the party and the State government.

Former UDF convener and MP Benny Behanan, KPCC working president and MP Shafi Parambil, and party vice-president and MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan are the main contenders for the position.

The search for a new president began after incumbent Sunny Joseph offered to step down following his induction into the State Cabinet.

AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal is reportedly maintaining a neutral position since Parambil and Kuzhalnadan are considered close to him. He has left the decision to the party leadership. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s opinion, however, is expected to play a crucial role in the appointment.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi are likely to finalise the appointment after consulting Satheesan. The contenders have been visiting New Delhi to hold discussions with the central leadership.

Senior MPs Kodikunnil Suresh, Adoor Prakash and Anto Antony are understood to be no longer under consideration despite receiving support from senior leaders and influential religious organisations.

Behanan is viewed as an experienced organiser who successfully coordinated the UDF and enjoys the confidence of different groups within the party. Some leaders believe a seasoned politician would be better suited to lead the organisation when the Chief Minister and several Cabinet members are serving their first terms.

Parambil is considered a formidable contender because of his popularity within the party and among the public. Kuzhalnadan’s perceived proximity to Rahul Gandhi is seen as an advantage.

While the relative youth of Parambil and Kuzhalnadan could strengthen their prospects, it may also prompt the leadership to weigh experience more heavily. The influential Catholic Church is also closely monitoring the selection process.