Keralam CM Satheesan meets Rahul Gandhi, triggering speculation on new KPCC president

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s closed-door meeting in New Delhi with the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, on Monday, assumed political significance at a time when the Congress high command is yet to settle the increasingly contentious question of the next Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has been reportedly searching for a leader to replace Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph as KPCC president.

The Congress’s Facebook post said that Mr. Satheesan had met with Mr. Gandhi to discuss “key party matters and governance priorities.” When contacted, the Chief Minister’s Office confirmed the meeting but said it had no knowledge of what transpired between the two leaders.

However, the meeting took place at a time when Mr. Joseph, given his responsibilities as the Electricity Minister, had repeatedly expressed his desire to opt out of the key organisational responsibility. Mr. Joseph had also stressed the need for a KPCC president focussed on the party apparatus, including issues such as discipline and organisation building.

Several names have figured in the discussions, with Kodikunnil Suresh, a 10-time Congress MP; Benny Behanan, Shafi Parambil, both MPs; and Mathew Kuzhalnadan, MLA; among the front-runners.

While senior KPCC leaders had also underscored the need for a full-time KPCC president, the AICC had previously insisted that Congress workers elected to public office or holding other posts could not double up as PCC presidents.

Even as the AICC is juggling names, Mr. Suresh, who is also the Congress Working Committee (CWC) member, has been one of the most persistent claimants to the post, highlighting his long experience and seniority in the organisation.

On Monday, Mr. Suresh yet again threw his hat into the ring when he told news reporters in New Delhi that being an MP or MLA did not preclude Congress workers from holding the post of PCC president. He also pointed out that AICC had nominated MPs and also MLAs as PCC presidents in Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Punjab recently.

He said if that was the criterion, he would not contest the next Lok Sabha elections. The Congress high command is expected to take a decision in consultation with the State Congress leadership, making the Chief Minister’s discussions with Mr. Gandhi particularly relevant.