Thiruvananthapuram: Chief minister V D Satheesan held a crucial meeting with AICC general secretary K C Venugopal in New Delhi on Wednesday amid efforts by the Congress high command to appoint a new KPCC president.The meeting was held at Venugopal’s residence. Satheesan was in the national capital to attend the Congress Working Committee meeting. The choice of the next KPCC chief is understood to have figured prominently in the discussions.Satheesan is keen that the new KPCC president should be someone who can maintain smooth coordination with the state govt and ensure better cooperation between the party organisation and govt.Several names are under consideration, including of MPs Benny Behanan, Kodikunnil Suresh, Shafi Parambil and Anto Antony, besides MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan and Joseph Vazhackan. Former KPCC president K Muraleedharan and incumbent Sunny Joseph had earlier conveyed their views to the high command.Parambil and Kuzhalnadan are among the prominent names being considered by the K C Venugopal camp. However, sources said Satheesan is not keen on either of the two candidates and is unlikely to support their appointment.The high command had also entrusted AICC general secretary Deepa Dasmunsi with the task of consulting senior state functionaries and former KPCC presidents before finalising the new chief.The vacancy arose after Joseph was inducted into the state cabinet. The delay in appointing a new KPCC president has led to growing concerns within the state Congress unit, particularly over the lack of coordination between the party organisation and govt.Senior Congress leaders are reportedly unhappy with the delay and want the high command to resolve the issue at the earliest. With the Congress-led govt having assumed office, the absence of a full-fledged organisational head is being seen as affecting coordination between the govt and the party.
