Thiruvananthapuram ,06 September (H.S.):

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is expected to meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi amid growing calls within the party for the early appointment of a full-time Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president.

Satheesan is scheduled to arrive in the national capital on Sunday evening to attend consultations convened by the Congress central leadership. The principal meeting, called by Rahul Gandhi, will bring together Congress chief ministers and education ministers to discuss major issues affecting the country’s education sector.

The Chief Minister is also likely to use the visit to draw Gandhi’s attention to the leadership question in the Kerala unit. Reports indicate that the two leaders may discuss the appointment of a permanent KPCC chief during their meeting on Monday. The Congress has, however, made no official announcement about such talks.

Demand for a full-time state president has gathered momentum after the issue was raised at a recent meeting of the KPCC Political Affairs Committee. Several leaders reportedly stressed that the organisational uncertainty should be resolved quickly as the party prepares for political and electoral challenges in Kerala.

AICC general secretary Deepa Dasmunsi, who is in charge of the party’s affairs in Kerala, had also reportedly expressed concern over inadequate coordination between the government and the party organisation. Her remarks have added urgency to internal discussions about strengthening the state leadership and improving communication between the two wings.

Satheesan is also understood to favour the appointment of a permanent KPCC president at the earliest. Party leaders believe a clear organisational structure will be important for coordinating government initiatives, managing political campaigns and maintaining unity among different groups within the state Congress.

The anticipated Gandhi-Satheesan meeting is therefore being closely watched, though the leadership has so far remained silent on the possible candidates and the timetable for an appointment.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman