Thiruvananthapuram : Congress high command is still not clear about allowing incumbent M. M. Hassan to continue as KPCC president.
Most Congressmen fear the uncertainty could spoil the party’s preparedness for the Lok Sabha elections a few months away. The UDF is yet to get onto the poll mode. Party sources say his successor would be known in two weeks. They also believe the devastating floods had given him a respite. With the KPCC deciding to build 1,000 homes for the flood-displaced families, it’s his responsibility to keep the promise. A senior leader likened the scheme to a pre-poll promise as no other party had embarked on such massive humanitarian assistance. "The existing committee is too weak, and it doesn't hold much chance. Mr Hassan is not a good captain as he lacks leadership qualities," said one of his detractors.
But many loyal to his ‘A’ group also share the same view about the old guard and they would like to see someone more dynamic there.
With the state picking up the pieces after the century’s worst floods, a section in the party feels it’s the time to strike and they want to hasten the leadership change.
"Congress president Rahul Gandhi is keen to see a vibrant leader steering the party to victory in the elections," another leader told DC. He predicts the change by Sept 20 as the Nehru-Gandhi scion has already sounded the poll bugle and launched an all-out attack on Narendra Modi.
There are lots of hopefuls for the top post in Kerala. They include Mullapally Ramachandran, K. V. Thomas, Kodikunnil Suresh, Benny Behanan and V. D. Satheesan.
The AICC may zero in on someone not to be fielded as a candidate but entrusted to lead the campaign.
At the same time, they are keen on three to four working presidents. Mr Satheesan had reportedly apprised them that he was not for the working president.
