Thiruvananthapuram: The appointment of the new KPCC president is likely to be delayed as consultations within the party is yet to be completed. Chief minister V D Satheesan held discussions with AICC general secretary K C Venugopal on the issue and is expected to return to Delhi for further consultations.There is growing pressure within Congress to complete the appointment at the earliest. Senior leader Ramesh Chennithala, who was in Delhi for the Congress Working Committee meeting, also held discussions with the central leadership. He met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi at Sonia Gandhi’s residence and stressed the need for a full-time KPCC chief. Chennithala, however, said no specific names were discussed.Former KPCC president K Sudhakaran said several capable leaders were available for the post, while MP Kodikunnil Suresh also called for an early appointment.Satheesan could not meet Kharge or Rahul during his recent visit to Delhi. Meanwhile, AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala, Deepa Dasmunsi, is in Thiruvananthapuram and continuing consultations with senior state leaders.According to Congress sources, Kodikunnil Suresh is backed by Kharge, while Shafi Parambil and Mathew Kuzhalnadan have the support of K C Venugopal. Joseph Vazhakkan is understood to have the backing of Chennithala. Benny Behanan and Anto Antony are also in contention.Satheesan’s position is expected to be crucial. He has reportedly told the high command that the new KPCC chief should be someone who can work in coordination with him. His reported reservations about Venugopal-backed candidates could make his position on Kodikunnil and Vazhakkan significant. A choice of a younger leader could also trigger discontent within the Satheesan camp.
