THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Talks are active again in the NCP for a cabinet berth for Mani C Kappan, who won from Pala. With the demise of Thomas Chandy, talks are on. Reports say A K Saseendran will be made the state chief and Kappan is likely to replace him. The CPI (M) is not against the induction of Kappan in the cabinet. The CPM's assessment is that a cabinet berth for Kappan will benefit the LDF in Kottayam in the next assembly elections. However, the CPM is unlikely to interfere in the internal affairs of the NCP. All the trade unions are against Saseendran due to the financial crisis in the KSRTC. Kappan camp is aiming to take advantage of the situation.

Thomas Chandy’s commemoration meet will be held in Thiruvananthapuram on January 1. Only after that, discussions for the new chief will officially start. Kappan had informed national leaders including Pawar that he is not interested to become the chief. If not Kappan, then either Peethambaran Master or A K Saseendran will become the chief.

Saseendran is not interested to become the chief after resigning his ministerial berth. A large section of the party is against Saseendran continuing in the cabinet. Saseendran was made a minister the second time on the decision to resign when Thomas Chandy returns after settling all his cases. Kappan faction is of the belief that the national leadership will intervene for the resignation of Saseendran. NCP leaders say that a reshuffle will be there in the party only in February. Till then T P Peethambaran will be the temporary chief. When Uzhavoor Vijayan died, Peethambaran held the post temporarily.