Kochi Mayor selection: Uncertainity continues, Congress grapples with community demands and political strategy
Kochi: Uncertainty continues over the selection of the Kochi mayor, with senior Congress leaders yet to reach a consensus and the party deciding to await guidelines from the KPCC before taking a final call.
Discussions among senior leaders have failed to produce a breakthrough, amid strong demands that the mayor’s post be allotted to the Latin Catholic community. The debate has also widened to whether the post should go to a representative from the Kochi diocese or the Archdiocese of Verapoly (Varapuzha).
Party leaders point out that 18 elected councillors belong to the Latin community, of whom three are from Kochi diocese and the rest from Varapuzha, prompting some leaders to argue that Varapuzha should get the mayor’s post.
However, another section within the party believes the mayoral position should be used strategically to strengthen the party’s prospects in Kochi ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. There is also a strong view that posts should be decided based on party seniority rather than community considerations.
With leaders unable to reach an agreement, several councillors have demanded that a Congress parliamentary party meeting be convened to elect the mayor democratically, reflecting the views of elected members. Senior leaders, however, have asked councillors to wait for directions from the KPCC.
Deputy mayor, standing committees are also at stake
The selection of the deputy mayor and standing committee chairpersons remains on hold, as these decisions hinge on the mayoral choice. There is a strong demand that the deputy mayor’s post be given to the dominant Hindu community, a view that reportedly finds support within the party leadership.
Given the multiple claimants for key positions, leaders have not ruled out the possibility of a comprehensive power-sharing arrangement, covering the mayor, deputy mayor and standing committee chairpersons.
Timeline ahead
The swearing-in of councillors is scheduled for December 21, while the mayoral election is expected on December 26. Councillors have urged swift decisions, citing the party’s clear mandate. Some members have also indicated they may approach higher party leadership if internal disagreements delay the process.