Thiruvananthapuram, 11 May (H.S.): The Congress high command is likely to announce the new president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) immediately after finalising the party’s chief ministerial candidate in Kerala, amid intense lobbying and growing factional activity within the party.

According to party sources, the Congress leadership is considering inducting incumbent KPCC president Sunny Joseph into the new cabinet, paving the way for the appointment of a new state party chief. The move is seen as part of a broader organisational reshuffle aimed at balancing regional and community equations within the party ahead of the new political phase in the state.

At least five senior leaders are currently being considered for the post. The names doing the rounds include MPs Benny Behanan, Kodikunnil Suresh, Adoor Prakash, Shafi Parambil, and Anto Antony.

Among them, Kodikunnil Suresh has intensified his efforts by holding a crucial meeting with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi. During the meeting, Suresh reportedly argued that his long political experience and seniority deserved due recognition, pointing out that he had been overlooked for key organisational positions on multiple occasions in the past. He is understood to have urged the party leadership to consider his seniority while making the final decision.

Anto Antony’s name had earlier surfaced prominently when discussions over the KPCC presidency first began during the appointment of Sunny Joseph, and party insiders say he continues to remain a strong contender.

At the same time, the name of Shafi Parambil is also being actively discussed, particularly among leaders seeking a younger face to lead the organisation. Adoor Prakash, meanwhile, is said to be staking claim based on community considerations.

However, sources indicate that Benny Behanan currently enjoys a strong position in the race, with the A-group within the Congress backing his candidature while highlighting the need for representation from central Kerala and maintaining community balance within the party leadership.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman