Thiruvananthapuram: Once again, Congress is back to their familiar tracks, jabbing each other to come on top and toppling rival camps through back room operations and indulging in innuendos targeting rivals within. As the byelections are over and the entire congress camp is upbeat over the huge victories in Wayanad and Palakkad, things have taken a sour note once again exposing the simmering discontentment with Chandy Oommen firing the first salvo. On Tuesday, Chandy had said that he was sidelined during the Palakkad by-election and KPCC president K Sudhakaran had no hand in it. It was clear that by excluding Sudhakaran from the blame he was turning his guns towards the newly emerging strong outfit within the party led by opposition leader VD Satheesan. 

Since the opposition leader was overseeing the by-election campaign, Chandy Oommen's criticism appears directed at him. Subsequently, K. Muraleedharan too came forward supporting Sudhakaran, asserting that if there is a leadership change, it should not be Sudhakaran alone. This stance reflects Chandy Oommen’s growing rift with the emerging new generation in the Congress, which includes leaders like Shafi Parambil. Earlier, Shashi Tharoor and Ramesh Chennithala had also aligned with this group.

After the by-elections, the discussions about reorganising the state Congress has been gaining momentum in informal talks. The declaration that the next goal is to prepare for panchayat elections by addressing organisational weaknesses has strengthened the reorganization movement. Efforts were reportedly made at one point to replace K. Sudhakaran as president due to health concerns, directing discussions in that direction.

Leadership dilemma amidst factional tensions

However, Sudhakaran, declaring he would not step down, emphasised that reorganisation could be completed in ten minutes if needed. A section within the party opposes removing the KPCC president at a time when the party is enjoying successes in Lok Sabha and assembly by-elections. On the other hand, another faction believes the president should be someone who can work in unity with the opposition leader, who has been steering the efforts. Alongside, changes in KPCC office-bearers and DCC presidents are also anticipated.

Senior leaders in the state have pointed out that the high command must make the decision regarding whether the KPCC president should be replaced. They suggest an immediate decision if Sudhakaran is to be removed, as delays could intensify factionalism. If not, the high command should clarify the matter to avoid unnecessary discussions in that direction. This message has already been conveyed to the central leadership by state leaders.

Reports indicate that AICC General Secretary Deepa Das Munshi is among those supporting the idea of Sudhakaran stepping down. However, identifying a replacement is not an easy task for the high command. It is suggested that Sudhakaran should be taken into confidence before any such move. K.C. Venugopal appears to share this view.

V.D. Satheesan is of the opinion that the high command should take an independent decision. At the same time, he is aware that an opposing faction is taking shape within the party.