In Kerala, Congress set for fresh power struggle over KPCC president post

T'puram: Even as Congress moves closer to finalising its leadership in govt in the state, the party is preparing for another crucial phase of internal bargaining — over the appointment of a new Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president.The impending reshuffle has gained urgency, with senior leader Sunny Joseph most likely to be inducted into the cabinet, creating a vacancy at the helm of the state party unit. The organisational churn is expected to be wider, as several district Congress committee (DCC) presidents who were elected to the assembly will also have to be replaced. The contest for the KPCC presidency is already intensifying, with multiple aspirants, including several party MPs, positioning themselves for the role. Party insiders suggest that community and caste considerations will weigh heavily in the final decision. With indications that the chief minister's post will go to a Hindu leader, the party may opt for a Christian leader to head the organisation, maintaining a balance in representation. Factional equations are likely to further complicate the process. The ‘A' group is expected to strongly stake its claim, citing its prolonged exclusion from key positions in both the party and the govt. Senior leaders such as Kodikunnil Suresh, Benny Behanan and Adoor Prakash are currently viewed as leading contenders. However, the final call will depend significantly on the composition of the cabinet, as those left out of ministerial positions may be accommodated in organisational roles. At the district level too, the party faces a delicate exercise. Five DCC presidents — N Sakthan (Thiruvananthapuram), Mohammed Shiyas (Ernakulam), V S Joy (Malappuram), Nattakam Suresh (Kottayam) and K Praveen Kumar (Kozhikode) — have been elected as MLAs, necessitating replacements. Selecting new district chiefs is expected to be equally complex, with the leadership required to balance community representation and factional interests while ensuring organisational cohesion as the party transitions into governance.