Thiruvananthapuram ,August 8
The ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) is facing intense lobbying over key political and administrative appointments, with disagreements within the Congress and competing demands from coalition partners delaying decisions on the distribution of board and corporation posts.
The first UDF meeting held after the government assumed office failed to hold detailed discussions on sharing the posts. The coalition instead decided to conduct bilateral talks with individual constituents before finalising appointments.
Within the Congress, the selection of a new Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president has become intertwined with negotiations over appointments to boards, corporations and other institutions.
KPCC media department leader Deepthi Mary Varghese and former CPM leader Aisha Potty have expressed interest in heading the Kerala Women’s Commission. Deepthi, a Kochi Corporation member, is reportedly more interested in a significant organisational position in the party, but is also seeking a prominent government appointment if that does not materialise.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is understood to favour Aisha Potty for the Women’s Commission post. Potty, who joined the Congress from the CPM, had put up a strong contest against K.N. Balagopal in Kottarakkara.
Former minister K. Babu, who stayed away from the electoral contest, is being considered for the chairmanship of the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA). Meanwhile, several personalities from the film industry are lobbying for the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairmanship. The delay has caused concern as preparations for the International Film Festival of Kerala are due to begin.
The Congress is also grappling with the appointment of a new KPCC president after the party president and two working presidents became ministers. The K.C. Venugopal camp is backing MP Shafi Parambil, while Ramesh Chennithala is reportedly pushing for Joseph Vazhakkan. Benny Behanan, Anto Antony and Kodikunnil Suresh are also in contention.
Coalition partners have simultaneously stepped up pressure for prominent positions. Kerala Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League are pressing the claims of P.J. Joseph and M.K. Muneer respectively for the Administrative Reforms Commission chairmanship. Muneer is also being considered for the Senior Citizens Commission.
The IUML is seeking a Cabinet-rank position for K.P.A. Majeed, while Mani C. Kappan is eyeing the NORKA vice-chairmanship. Forward Bloc leader G. Devarajan is reportedly interested in becoming Kerala’s Special Officer in New Delhi.
