Congress Plans Restructuring in Kerala
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On January 23, the Congress high command is contemplating a major restructuring of its Kerala unit aimed at expanding its political base. Discussions led by AICC general secretary Deepa Das Munshi are underway, with an emphasis on selecting a dynamic leader to tackle the evolving political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Restructuring of Congress in Kerala is under consideration.
- Deepa Das Munshi has submitted a report to the high command.
- New leadership will focus on grassroots engagement.
- Young and non-controversial candidates are being considered.
- Shift in voter dynamics could affect Congress's performance.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 23 (NationPress) The Congress high command is considering a major restructuring of its Kerala unit to broaden the party's appeal.
AICC general secretary responsible for Kerala, Deepa Das Munshi, has engaged in discussions regarding this reshuffle and has submitted her findings to the high command.
K. Sudhakaran, the state party president and Kannur Lok Sabha member, has expressed his willingness to accept whatever decision the high command reaches, emphasizing that he does not attach significant importance to titles such as president or Chief Minister, given his ongoing rivalry with the CPI-M in Kannur.
Sources indicate that as the party's support diminishes and the newer generation's political views evolve, the new president's primary challenge will be to deliver dynamic leadership focused on grassroots efforts.
“Historically, the Congress party has taken into account caste, creed, and community in selecting its president. However, in today's context, while these factors will still be considered, there should be a shift towards choosing a non-controversial figure, ideally a younger leader, to prepare for electoral battles, especially with the BJP's expanding influence,” the sources added.
The electoral landscape in Kerala sees the CPI-M-led Left with a consistent vote share of approximately 26 to 30 percent, ensuring their support regardless of circumstances, while Congress often relies on fluctuating votes, where the BJP’s presence also impacts the dynamics.
During the 2021 Assembly elections, the BJP garnered about 13 percent of the votes, and any increase in their share could pose challenges for the Congress-led UDF. A notable shift occurred in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections when Hindu Ezhava voters began to lean towards the BJP, particularly in central Kerala.
This scenario is pivotal as Congress deliberates on Sudhakaran's successor, with some asserting that the next president should ideally be either a Christian or a Hindu Ezhava. Names such as Congress MPs Adoor Prakash, Anto Antony, Benny Behanan, and the youthful legislator Rogi M. John, along with legislator Sunny Joseph, who is closely associated with Sudhakaran, are being circulated.
Additionally, veteran Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh, who hails from the SC category, is being considered. Recently, with the CPI-M softening its pro-Muslim stance to pursue Hindu consolidation, Congress anticipates that a new president from a minority background could yield benefits, which is why numerous Christian candidates are being discussed for the position.
The minority groups encompass Christians, who account for around 17 to 18 percent, and Muslims, who represent roughly 23 to 24 percent of the 3.30 crore population. With Munshi having submitted her report, final discussions are underway to identify a suitable candidate, and a senior party source indicated that a decision might be imminent.
