THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress high command feels KPCC president V. M. Sudheeran missed a golden opportunity to take all warring leaders along. But vice-president Rahul Gandhi, nursing the wounds of the worst personal setback in UP, is unlikely to find time for Kerala imbroglio so soon. With former chief minister Oommen Chandy sticking to his stand against taking up any official responsibility, it would also be difficult to ensure a smooth succession. After stepping down unceremoniously, Mr Sudheeran was not entertaining visitors at his city home on Saturday as his party’s humiliating defeat in India’s most populated state dominated headlines.
He is keenly watching the scene where the ‘A’ camp owing allegiance to Mr Chandy is insisting on organisational polls. A top AICC leader told DC that Mr Sudheeran’s resignation on the eve of the big state election results was his personal decision. “Though few AICC leaders had spoken to him two days back on his health, he did not drop any hint of resigning. But he missed the golden opportunity to deliver. It is too early to say if there'll be a replacement soon,” said an AICC leader in charge of Kerala. Mr Chandy who has not been in good terms with Mr Sudheeran on a host of issues had got an assurance on organisational polls after the elections in five states.
He was sulking after 'unilateral' appointment of district party chiefs in January. Even during the talks with senior Congress leader A. K. Antony early this week, he had apprised him that the ‘A’ group leaders have plans to relinquish their posts they have been holding. Mr Antony dissuaded him. AICC while appointing the new party chief will ensure that he has the blessings of Mr Chandy. Since one of the aspirants, P. T. Thomas MLA had cosied up towards Mr Sudheeran recently, Mr Chandy is unlikely to support him. Meanwhile, there are efforts to bring in Chandy’s right-hand man, Benny Behanan. If there is a delay in appointing the new president, Mr Chandy will propose to give vice-president M. M. Hassan the charge.
