THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Discussions between Deepa Dasmunsi, the AICC General Secretary in charge of Kerala, and prominent Congress leaders in the state have sparked speculation about a potential leadership change in the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).
KPCC President K Sudhakaran MP expressed dissatisfaction with such discussions by stating yesterday that he is not interested in clinging to the KPCC President's post. Meanwhile, Ramesh Chennithala said that the decision regarding a leadership change rests with the high command. Opposition leader VD Satheesan has not yet commented on the matter.
Deepa Dasmunsi, who went to Hyderabad on Monday night, is set to return to Kerala today. She will hold organizational discussions with key leaders in Alappuzha and may also meet DCC office-bearers. She will also visit AICC Secretary PV Mohanan, who is undergoing treatment for an injury in Ernakulam. After participating in the Political Affairs Committee meeting on Sunday, Deepa Dasmunsi held discussions with most of the state’s leaders. The high command’s intervention will depend on the inputs she provides.
Sudhakaran reiterated yesterday that he is not desperate to cling to the KPCC President's position or to become Chief Minister. He also announced his decision not to contest the Assembly elections again. While he emphasized that there is no compulsion for a change in the Opposition Leader post when the KPCC President changes, he expressed no reluctance to relinquish his position if the high command deems it necessary. “The high command can take a rational decision,” Sudhakaran stated.
Speaking to the media yesterday, Ramesh Chennithala affirmed that K Sudhakaran is a capable leader to head the KPCC. He stressed that the high command will decide whether a leadership change is needed before the Assembly elections. Chennithala also reiterated that discussions about the Chief Ministerial post within Congress are unnecessary and that the focus should now be on unity.