Thiruvananthapuram: The power-struggle in the state Congress in the wake of the resignation of PCC president V.M. Sudheeran has dismayed the AICC leadership, including CWC member A.K. Antony. Several aspirants have openly staked their claim to the post bringing to the fore the disunity in the party and prompting Mr Antony to decry the race. The AICC wishes to choose the new PCC president after reaching a consensus among various groups in the party. Those who have already signalled their readiness to run for the post are Mr P. T. Thomas MLA , former Kannur MP Mr. K. Sudhakaran, KPCC vice- president Laly Vincent, Mr K. C. Venugopal and Mr Kodikunnil Suresh, MPs, and Mr P. C. Chacko.
Mr Thiruvanachoor Radhakrishnan MLA expressed support to former chief minister Oommen Chandy indicating the stand of the ‘A’ group. Though Mr K. Muraleedharan MLA said on Sunday that he was not an aspirant, his detractors believe that it was a ploy to mislead them. Mr. P.T. Thomas, who earlier belonged to the ‘A’ camp, had recently cozied up to KPCC president V. M. Sudheeran leaving Mr Chandy red- faced. Mr K. V. Thomas MP, who was in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, sought the support of Mr Chandy, Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala and Mr K. Muraleedharan for the post.
However, it is learnt that Congress president Sonia Gandhi has approved a fourth term for Mr Thomas as chairman of the public accounts committee, ruling out his chances to head the state party. “A consensus can be reached if the AICC leaders initiate discussions with the political affairs committee members, senior leaders, former KPCC presidents and MPs. This will help the new president to get the support of all party men. A generation shift should be initiated at this juncture,” said a senior Congress leader.
