Thiruvananthapuram: Despite Congress’ resounding victories in the recent by-elections in Wayanad and Palakkad, internal disputes over leadership have once again taken center stage, dimming the party’s celebratory mood. Chandy Oommen’s pointed remarks on Tuesday have reignited tensions, as he alleged being sidelined during the Palakkad campaign while exonerating KPCC president K Sudhakaran. This statement appeared to target opposition leader VD Satheesan, who spearheaded the by-election efforts, hinting at growing discord within the party.
K. Muraleedharan, supporting Sudhakaran, emphasized that leadership changes should not single out Sudhakaran, reflecting the widening rift between senior leaders and the emerging faction led by figures like Shafi Parambil. Leaders like Shashi Tharoor and Ramesh Chennithala have also shown alignment with this newer camp.
Post-election, discussions on reorganizing the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) have gained traction, with debates centered on replacing Sudhakaran. While health concerns have been cited, Sudhakaran firmly declared his unwillingness to step down, suggesting that reorganization could be completed swiftly if needed. Some leaders argue that removing Sudhakaran amid electoral successes might be counterproductive, while others advocate for a president who can work cohesively with VD Satheesan.
State leaders have urged the party high command to promptly resolve the leadership dilemma, warning that delays could exacerbate factionalism. While AICC General Secretary Deepa Das Munshi reportedly supports a leadership change, building consensus and identifying a suitable replacement remain significant challenges. Sudhakaran’s confidence and the emerging opposition faction led by Satheesan further complicate the scenario, leaving the high command with a critical decision to unify the party ahead of upcoming elections.
