Ever since 1967, the Congress Party has never been in such demand in the state of Tamil Nadu, but in the forthcoming Assembly poll, the grand old party holds the key to victory and is, therefore, being openly wooed by the AIADMK which is trying hard to wean it away from the DMK. Having become the cynosure in the state’s political arena, it is no surprise that the factional leaders of the Congress have started jockeying for the post of the state unit’s chief.
The present state unit chief of the Congress, Mr Thangabalu, who has so far been enjoying an extended tenure is all set to go home. The central leadership of the party is conscious of the caste equations in the state in the run-up to finalising a name. Also the imminent Assembly poll is weighing heavily on the minds of the leaders. Also whoever is appointed as the state Congress’ president will have a major say in the selection of the candidates as also in identification of seats once negotiations begin with the alliance partner. Added to that is the fact the central command of the party will transfer huge funds to the state president to run the campaign in the run-up to the polls. Therefore, factions have started working over-time to get their man to the top post in the state.
According to sources in the Congress, G.K. Vasan called on the Congress president Ms Sonia Gandhi and submitted a letter recommending two names to choose from for replacing Thangabalu. They are Rajya Sabha MP Mr Gnanadesikan, a pillai and former MP Karvendan, a gounder. But the Union home minister Mr P Chidambaram is backing the case of K.S. Alagiri, the cuddalore MP and an yadava by caste. Anbarasu, a former MP and also hailing from the vanniyar community is trying very hard to occupy the post.
But one name that seems to be lest controversial, according to sources is that of three-time MP Mr Sudarsana Natchiappan. He is believed to have the required experience as also the reputation of not belonging to any faction, apart from belonging to the Mukkulathor community. But he is being fiercely opposed by Mr Chidambaram.
And also, E.V.K.S. Elongavan, a former PCC chief and fierce opponent of the DMK, cannot be appointed as his appointment would mean the end of the DMK-Congress alliance.