Kerala’s representation in the Congress Working Committee (CWC) has risen substantially with four leaders from the State making it to the 51-member revamped Congress policy planning body.
While senior leader A.K. Antony retains his long-held place in the CWC, former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and K.C. Venugopal have made their debut in the all-powerful committee.
With P.C. Chacko being included as a permanent invitee, Kerala’s presence in the CWC would be substantial, possibly a sign of the importance that the Congress national leadership attaches to the Kerala unit of the party.
Chandy’s role in AP
Mr. Chandy, who was recently appointed All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary, has been making waves in Andhra Pradesh for the past few days by moving around the State and mixing with party workers in the way only he can do.
He had pulled off a coup of sorts the other day by winning over former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy and getting him reinstated in the party. He had for long refused to move out of the State, but could now find himself in the thick of things in the national capital soon.
Mr. Venugopal, AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka, had played a major role in the party’s performance in the Karnataka Assembly elections.
He has been moving very closely with Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his elevation is in a sense a recognition of his services.
Mr. Chacko is a veteran known for his political skills.
