Kannur, 11 May (H.S.): Amid the intensifying leadership tussle within the Kerala Congress over the chief ministerial question, a closed-door meeting of leaders considered close to senior Congress leaders K.C. Venugopal and K. Sudhakaran triggered fresh political speculation in the state on Monday.

The meeting was convened at the Kannur residence of former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president K. Sudhakaran at a time when the party leadership crisis and power-sharing discussions have become a major issue within the Congress following the Assembly election results.

According to sources, several former District Congress Committee (DCC) office-bearers, KPCC functionaries, and state-level leaders of the Youth Congress and Kerala Students Union (KSU) were expected to attend the gathering. A number of local Congress leaders had also arrived at Sudhakaran’s residence as per the scheduled plan.

However, the meeting was abruptly called off after media personnel reached the venue following information about the gathering. Soon after journalists assembled outside the residence, the leaders reportedly dispersed without holding formal discussions, further fuelling speculation over internal group activities within the party.

Among those seen arriving at Sudhakaran’s residence were Koothuparamba mandalam president Sreeprasad, Mattannur block secretary L.G. Dayanand, and DCC secretary V.R. Prasad. The leaders maintained that their visit was purely personal and denied that any political meeting had taken place.

The developments come at a politically sensitive moment for the Kerala Congress unit, which has been witnessing intense discussions over leadership and government formation following the party’s electoral performance. The uncertainty surrounding the chief ministerial issue has reportedly widened factional undercurrents within the organisation.

The meeting in Kannur also assumes significance as the Congress high command has summoned several senior Kerala leaders, including K. Sudhakaran and veteran leader K. Muraleedharan, to Delhi for consultations. Political observers view the latest developments as an indication of growing internal mobilisation by different factions ahead of crucial decisions expected from the party leadership in the coming days.

With the Congress leadership yet to formally announce its stand on key organisational and leadership matters, closed-door meetings and faction-level consultations are expected to continue across the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman