The recent reshuffle of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is unlikely to have any qualitative impact on the party’s organisational set-up in Kerala. However, it could disturb the delicate balance of equations in the faction-ridden party and ignite another round of bitter acrimony among its leaders, which the Congress can ill afford before the 2024 general elections.
The rejig has already caused some heartburn for senior leader Ramesh Chennithala, who was not made a full-fledged member but rather a permanent invitee to the highest decision-making body.
At the same time, the Central leadership of the party was compelled to induct Shashi Tharoor, a member of the G-23 group, who contested against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in the organisational polls. The high command likely considered Mr. Tharoor’s growing popularity in the State, his intellectual prowess, and broader national factors, but many party persons believe that his elevation is a strategic move to quell his burgeoning ambitions for the post of Chief Minister.
