'No more delay in KPCC president's appointment'; Kodikunnil Suresh calls on CM Satheesan

NEW DELHI: Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi assured Chief Minister V D Satheesan that the appointment of a new Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president would not be delayed.

In the wake of KPCC president Sunny Joseph entering the cabinet, the Chief Minister demanded in a meeting with Rahul Gandhi in Delhi that a replacement be made immediately. There is a crisis in the party's activities due to the lack of a full-time president. There are also indications that Satheesan requested Rahul to have a president to ensure smooth government-party relations.

VD Satheesan arrived in Delhi to participate in a high-command-level discussion related to education reforms in Congress-ruled states.

The education discussion was postponed due to the inconvenience of Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge. Satheesan then met Rahul at 10 Janpath, Sonia Gandhi's official residence. The Chief Minister is likely to visit Delhi again on September 18.

Kodikunnil Suresh, one of the candidates being considered for the post of KPCC President, met the Chief Minister at Kerala House. Kodikunnil Suresh, who earlier said that he will not contest the next elections, points out that Dalit representation is essential in the post of KPCC President.

Deepa Dasmunsi, who is in charge of Kerala, held discussions with leaders in the state regarding the appointment of the KPCC President. The names of Benny Behanan, Anto Antony, and Joseph Vazhackan are also being mentioned for the presidency.