Congress high command calls Kerala leaders to Delhi as KPCC dispute intensifies

Thiruvananthapuram: Disputes over the announcement of KPCC office bearers show no sign of easing, prompting the Congress high command to summon senior Kerala leaders to Delhi for talks aimed at resolving the crisis.

The Opposition Leader, KPCC president, and working presidents are set to meet the national leadership in Delhi tomorrow. Former KPCC presidents have also been called in to participate in the discussions.

The main point of contention remains the finalisation of KPCC secretaries. Opposition Leader V D Satheesan is reportedly insistent that Chempazhanthy Anil be appointed as the DCC president in Thiruvananthapuram. With no agreement reached, Satheesan has refused to attend the KPCC meeting, forcing the first session of the newly appointed office bearers, chaired by Sunny Joseph, to be postponed.

The high command is understood to be concerned that the ongoing infighting is paralysing party work in the state. As a result, the top leadership has called the key figures to Delhi for direct discussions. The meeting is expected to deliberate on the appointment of KPCC secretaries, among other organisational matters.

Sources indicate that the current list of office bearers has more than 120 names, which the high command wants to trim down. However, Kerala leaders have so far failed to reach a consensus. The Delhi discussions are expected to finalise decisions on these contentious points.

AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala, Deepa Das Munshi, has reportedly informed the leadership that factional disputes are already affecting preparations for the upcoming local body elections. Meanwhile, discontent is said to be growing among senior leaders over K C Venugopal’s excessive interference in state affairs, an issue they are likely to raise with the national leadership. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are expected to lead the talks.