THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress high command has sought time from the state leadership to initiate a revamp of the KPCC, but let it be known to the restive Youth Congress that more young blood will be inducted into the organisation. This was the picture that emerged after discussions Congress president Sonia Gandhi had with senior leader A.K. Antony, former chief minister Oommen Chandy, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, PCC president V.M. Sudheeran and AICC general secretary Mukul Wasnik in Delhi on Saturday.
Later, when he met reporters, Mr Wasnik did not rule out questions, including the removal of Mr Sudheeran, but said wider consultations would be held before taking crucial decisions. In reply to a question on Mr Sudheeran, Mr Wasnik said the party took up various aspects, but “no discussion has been held at any level on PCC changes”.
This was a clear indication that PCC changes have been postponed and those gunning for Mr Sudheeran would have to wait. In reply to demands for more representation to the youth, Mr Wasnik said the major attempt would be “to rejuvenate” the party. The focus would be on youth.
Mr Wasnik did not hint it, but it looks like the infusion of more youths into the party might synchronise with party vice-president Rahul Gandhi taking over the mantle of party chief. Another take-away from the Delhi discussions was Mr Chandy’s refusal to budge from his stand against accepting the chairmanship of the UDF, which he linked to the responsibility for the shock defeat in the Assembly elections. The crucial implication is Mr Sudheeran is also equally responsible and his continuation as the party chief is illogical as long as Mr Chandy is not the UDF boss.
