Kottayam , 22 May (H.S.):

With the new United Democratic Front (UDF) government settling into office and cabinet portfolio allocation completed without major disputes, the Congress leadership in Kerala has begun internal discussions on selecting a new president for the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). The move follows the induction of current KPCC president Sunny Joseph into Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s cabinet, creating the need for a new state party chief.

The leadership transition is expected to trigger a wider organisational restructuring within the Congress in Kerala. With two of the party’s three working presidents now serving as ministers, the high command is preparing for a significant overhaul of the state unit. Along with appointing new working presidents, major changes are also expected at the district-level Congress committees.

Balancing community representation and internal group dynamics remains the biggest challenge before the Congress high command as it seeks to identify a consensus candidate capable of leading the party in the post-election political landscape.

According to reports emerging from party circles, senior leader and Member of Parliament Benny Behanan has emerged as the frontrunner for the post. The 73-year-old leader from the party's traditional A group has held several key positions, including UDF Convener between 2018 and 2020, KPCC General Secretary, Thrissur District Congress Committee president, and AICC member.

Party insiders believe Behanan's long political experience and cordial relations with senior Congress leaders could help him build consensus and provide stable leadership at a time when V.D. Satheesan has risen to the position of Chief Minister. His Jacobite Christian background is also seen as favourable in terms of maintaining community balance within the party structure.

However, Mavelikkara MP Kodikunnil Suresh has emerged as a strong contender. If the Congress high command prioritises appointing a Dalit leader to the post, Suresh, who maintains close ties with the AICC leadership, could gain an advantage.

Other names under consideration include Joseph Vazhakkan, reportedly backed by Ramesh Chennithala and the I group, along with Anto Antony and KPCC General Secretary Tommy Kallani. Though Shafi Parambil's name had gained traction before the elections, current political and community equations are believed to have reduced his prospects.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman