New KPCC president to be announced soon; Anto Antony likely to succeed K Sudhakaran

Thiruvananthapuram: K Sudhakaran is likely to step down as Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president. It is learnt that the Congress high command summoned him to Delhi recently and advised him regarding this decision. Although Sudhakaran said on Saturday that there was no need for a change, he added that he would accept whatever the high command decided—— based on the assurance that a rejig will happen.

The notification for the Nilambur by-election is expected to be issued by May 9. The leadership is of the view that a change at the helm of the KPCC should be effected before that.

The UDF meeting held on Friday had taken Sudhakaran’s availability into consideration while finalising decisions. However, it was on Thursday that he was asked to urgently reach Delhi. The meeting, held at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, was also attended by Rahul Gandhi.

Leaders reportedly explained to Sudhakaran that his health concerns were affecting his ability to lead the organisation, making a change necessary.

Sources indicate that Sudhakaran did not express any strong opposition to stepping down, apart from highlighting the work accomplished and election victories secured under his leadership. The report submitted to the high command by AICC general secretary Deepa Das Munshi, in charge of party affairs in Kerala, is also said to have underscored the need for a change.

With consensus emerging among senior leaders in Kerala, including the Leader of the Opposition, the high command moved forward with the decision to replace the KPCC president.

Advantage Anto Antony; Adoor Prakash likely to be assigned new role

Anto Antony is currently seen as the frontrunner to succeed Sudhakaran. In internal discussions, a preference was expressed for appointing a Christian leader to the post. The names of Sunny Joseph and Roji M John were also considered.

Following A K Antony's withdrawal from active politics and the passing of Oommen Chandy, the party feels the absence of prominent Christian leaders. There is also concern that a section of the Christian vote may be drifting towards the BJP.

While there is potential for resistance from the Ezhava community over Sudhakaran’s removal, the leadership feels it is reasonable to consider leaders from other communities, given that the past three KPCC presidents—V M Sudheeran, Mullappally Ramachandran and K Sudhakaran—have all belonged to the community. Adoor Prakash, considered from the Ezhava community, is likely to be assigned another key organisational role instead.

Half of DCC presidents to be replaced

The high command has directed the KPCC to replace nearly half of the DCC presidents in Kerala due to unsatisfactory performance. Restructuring is also expected among KPCC office-bearers. Since the death of V Pratapachandran, the post of KPCC treasurer has remained vacant.

The high command has asked KPCC president Sudhakaran to submit a list of potential replacements at the earliest.

‘I do not feel a change is necessary’

Meanwhile, K Sudhakaran MP has said he does not believe a change in the KPCC leadership is necessary. He was responding to media queries about reports suggesting he might be replaced.

“The high command is the authority to evaluate my performance. If there’s anything to be known about me, the high command should be asked. They are the ultimate authority in these matters. I am bound to follow what they say. It is their prerogative to decide whether I should stay or go. Their decision is mine as well,” Sudhakaran said. He added that he has not recommended any names as his successor and denied having proposed Sunny Joseph for the role.