Behind the News is your round up of musings from the corridors of power. The announcement of a new KPCC president has been delayed, reportedly due to opposition from senior Congress leaders including K Muraleedharan, Shashi Tharoor and Ramesh Chennithala.
Published May 06, 2025 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated May 06, 2025 | 8:00 AM
K.C Venugopal clarified that the KPCC president will not be announced today and dismissed media speculation as baseless.
Synopsis: Internal divisions among senior leaders, lobbying, and strategic manoeuvring by outgoing president K Sudhakaran have delayed the appointment of a new Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president. Amidst an unprecedented public push by Catholic bishops for their preferred candidate, the high command remains undecided, even as calls grow for clarity to restore party unity ahead of critical elections.
As the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) awaits the appointment of a new president ahead of the upcoming local body and assembly elections, internal drama continues to unfold.
Current KPCC chief K Sudhakaran recently met Congress Working Committee (CWC) member AK Antony, expressing deep pain over the spread of false narratives regarding his health.
Sudhakaran’s core plea was straightforward: “Please do not insult me.”
The meeting with Antony is seen as a strategic move, his last hope to indirectly influence the central leadership’s decision on the leadership change.
At the same time, Sudhakaran conveyed that he is willing to step aside gracefully if the party decides to appoint a new KPCC president.
Senior journalist George Podipara remarked that Sudhakaran, who secured a victory with a margin of one lakh votes and maintains a strong foothold in the Malabar region, deserves a dignified exit.
He added that there is nothing inappropriate about his meeting with Antony.
The announcement of a new KPCC president has been delayed, reportedly due to opposition from senior Congress leaders including K Muraleedharan, Shashi Tharoor and Ramesh Chennithala.
Although four-time MP Anto Antony remains the frontrunner to succeed K Sudhakaran, lack of consensus among top leaders has slowed the process.
While All India Congress Committee (AICC) insiders suggest the high command still supports Antony, questions over timing and internal unity remain.
Muraleedharan publicly backed Sudhakaran, citing his experience and warning against a leadership change ahead of crucial elections. Tharoor echoed this, stressing the need for party cohesion.
Meanwhile, leaders such as AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal and Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan are reportedly advocating for a fresh face to revitalise the party.
Religious considerations also play a role, with some in the party preferring a Christian – ideally a Catholic – as KPCC chief to stem Christian support drifting to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Although Antony fits that profile, his Pentecostal ties have sparked concerns within the influential Syro-Malabar Church.
KC Venugopal clarified that the KPCC president will not be announced today and dismissed media speculation as baseless.
He said the party will decide at the appropriate time through its internal processes and confirmed that senior Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi has not intervened in Kerala matters.
Venugopal criticised the media for spreading confusion without knowing the facts and added that no meeting has been held yet regarding a leadership change.
Contrary to practices in previous years, this year Catholic bishops have openly intervened in the selection of the KPCC president.
In a rare and public move, senior bishops recommended the names of Pathanamthitta MP Anto Antony and Peravoor MLA Sunny Joseph for the top post, directly communicating their preferences to the party high command.
According to sources, KC Venugopal and other senior Congress leaders were briefed by bishops, including Changanassery Archbishop Thomas Tharayil and Thalassery Archbishop Joseph Pamplany, on the Church’s stance.
The intervention comes at a time when there is growing pressure within the party to regain the trust of Christian voters, a community that has expressed dissatisfaction in recent elections.
Interestingly, KPCC Vice President Joseph Vazhackan, a senior leader from the community, has reportedly not been considered for the post.
Church leaders are said to favour Anto Antony as their top choice, signalling a clear preference aimed at ensuring greater representation and influence for the Christian community within the party.
Youth Congress President and Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil has criticised senior KPCC leaders for fuelling public controversies amid the party’s ongoing reorganisation.
Speaking at a press meet in Pathanamthitta, he said the constant stream of public remarks from senior leaders is damaging the party’s image and morale.
“This is not an Anganwadi class leader election or panchayat election. Senior leaders must show maturity and responsibility,” Rahul said, adding that young leaders have displayed restraint for years while senior leaders have failed to match that discipline.
He pointed out that the daily media and social media reports on internal issues have become an embarrassment.
“The leadership must step in and end this uncertainty. Party workers need clarity on whether the current leadership will continue or not, so they can work with confidence,” he added.
Rahul stressed that the party high command is well aware of who needs to be replaced or retained and that there is no need for public outbursts.
“I am not here to name names or create news. I am sharing the pain of ordinary workers. People want Congress to return to power, and this internal mess is letting them down.”
He also defended K Sudhakaran, saying he remains a leader with strong public support across Kerala.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
