Power struggle resurfaces in Congress as KC Venugopal strengthens hold in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With only six months left for the Assembly elections, internal power struggles and rivalries within the Congress have resurfaced over the question of the Chief Minister candidate. The renewed tension follows the AICC’s announcement of the new KPCC office-bearers’ list.

Dissatisfaction is rising across different factions of the party regarding the list, which includes 58 general secretaries, 13 vice presidents, and six political affairs committee members. Discussions about the new balance of power have intensified. Many party insiders believe AICC general secretary KC Venugopal has tightened his control over the state Congress. The Chennithala faction and the old 'A’ group seem to have avoided major damage, but whispers suggest that the reorganisation has dealt a setback to Opposition Leader VD Satheesan’s camp.

After the death of Oommen Chandy, the old ‘A’ group has lost its powerful mentor and now lacks a strong leader to project as Chief Minister. The broad ‘I’ group, which had once regained strength by uniting fragmented factions, has again split due to disagreements over the Chief Minister candidate. Former KPCC presidents K Sudhakaran and K Muraleedharan appear to have stepped back from leadership responsibility. Several senior leaders in the party are reportedly unwilling to allow Congress Working Committee member and MP Shashi Tharoor to rise further in Kerala politics.

At one stage, Satheesan’s faction hoped to gain KC Venugopal’s backing in the race for Chief Minister. The new political alignments, however, suggest that KC might be moving with his own ambitions in mind. Several leaders from the ‘A’ group are now believed to be mentally aligned with KC Venugopal. If the Chief Minister race becomes active, they will likely support him. Together, they are expected to bring him the support of at least 30 out of the 77 new KPCC office-bearers. This could also influence candidate selection.

KC dismisses CM talk
KC Venugopal told the media that his increased activity in Kerala politics is as an MP elected from Alappuzha, not because he desires any chair or position. He said the sole goal of Congress workers in Kerala is to bring down the Pinarayi government. However, many are reading deeper meanings into KC’s statement that he plans to become more active in Kerala politics.