Congress leadership has summoned for discussions the key contenders for the post of Kerala Chief Minister, with insiders viewing the selection process as a toss-up between intra-party support and public sentiment relating to two aspirants.
Key Meetings in Delhi
Sources said Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and KC Venugopal, besides state chief Sunny Joseph, will hold talks with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. A decision on who would head the Kerala government is expected by Sunday.
The process moved to Delhi after AICC observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik submitted their report to Kharge on Friday. The observers had held a meeting with state legislators a day earlier. Meanwhile, Congress MP from Kerala Shashi Tharoor met Kharge and shared his feedback on the issue and the political situation in the state.
MLAs' Preference and Public Sentiment
According to sources, over 80% of MLAs have named Venugopal as their preferred choice for the top post. This has given a leg up to the AICC general secretary, who is also a close aide of Rahul Gandhi. However, the party will have to factor in public sentiment before making a decision. In their view, Satheesan has strong support among people who view him as the bulwark that steered the Congress-led UDF against the Left Front government over five years.
Additionally, Congress would have to consider that Venugopal as Chief Minister would result in two bypolls: the parliamentary seat he would vacate and the assembly seat he would contest.
Alternative Formula Discussed
Amid the uncertainty, another political formula is being actively discussed within Congress circles. Sources indicate that despite commanding majority support in the Congress Legislature Party, Venugopal could step aside in favor of Chennithala, citing his experience. This move is reportedly being explored by the Venugopal and Chennithala camps to prevent Satheesan from consolidating support for the top post. They believe that Satheesan will be forced to accept this arrangement.
AICC observers have informed the high command that the political situation in Kerala remains sensitive, and a quick decision is necessary. They also pitched for factoring in the views of coalition allies.
Venugopal's Role in Party
Another issue for consideration is whether Rahul Gandhi can release Venugopal from the post of AICC general secretary in-charge of organization, where he has emerged as Rahul's point person for party issues. Venugopal also manages Congress's operations in Parliament and coordination with allies of the INDIA bloc. His importance is evident from his role as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, a key parliamentary panel usually held by the Leader of the Opposition.
Party brass would like to convince the contenders to accept the final choice, as it would not want any dissonance among disappointed netas to dampen the euphoria of UDF's massive victory.
