Thiruvananthapuram, 13 August (H.S.):

The Congress high command has narrowed its search for a new Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president to three leaders: former UDF convener and MP Benny Behanan, working president and MP Shafi Parambil, and vice-president and MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan.

AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal is maintaining a neutral position as Parambil and Kuzhalnadan are considered close to him. He has left the choice to the high command. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan's opinion, however, is expected to play a decisive role in the appointment.

Senior MPs Kodikunnil Suresh, Adoor Prakash and Anto Antony are no longer under consideration despite support from religious organisations. Suresh, the Congress chief whip in the Lok Sabha, had the backing of party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Satheesan. Antony enjoyed Priyanka Gandhi's support, while Prakash, the UDF convener, was backed by the Sivagiri Mutt.

The candidates have been visiting Delhi to meet Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Party sources said Kharge and Gandhi would take the final decision after consulting Satheesan. The appointment is part of an organisational revamp aimed at strengthening coordination between the party and government.

The search began after incumbent president Sunny Joseph offered to step down following his induction into the Cabinet.

Behanan is regarded as an experienced organiser who successfully coordinated the UDF and commands the confidence of different groups within the party. Some senior leaders believe an experienced president would be better placed to work with a government in which the Chief Minister and several ministers are serving their first terms.

Parambil remains a strong contender because of his popularity within the party and among the public. Kuzhalnadan's proximity to Rahul Gandhi is viewed as an advantage. Their relative youth could either help or hinder their prospects. The influential Catholic Church is also closely watching the selection process.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman