Five leaders top contenders for Youth Congress state president post

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After the resignation of Rahul Mamkootathil from the post of Youth Congress state president, the national leadership has started looking for a new president to replace him. Five names are under active consideration of the Youth Congress national leadership. They are national general secretary Binu Chulliyil, state vice-presidents Abin Varkey, O J Janeesh, former KSU state president K M Abhijith and Congress leader J S Akhil. Of these, Akhils name had been proposed by late CM Oommen Chandy for the post of state president earlier. However, Rahuls name was pushed by Shafi Parambil and V D Satheesan, and he got elected then. Though Abin Varkey has an edge as he is the state vice-president, the community equation is against him. With KPCC president, Mahila Congress president and KSU president representing the minority community, the chances of another leader becoming president of an offshoot organisation would invite criticism. O J Jineesh, who is close to K C Venugopal, is also a top contender along with Binu Chulliyil. Though both Abhijith and Akhil are not in the existing state committee, the national leadership is considering their names also. Party will take a decision Responding to the allegations levelled against Rahul Mamkootathil, MLA, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan has said that Congress is considering the complaint very seriously. Speaking to reporters, he said that the party would take a call after hearing Rahul, and considering all aspects of the issue. Satheesan accused a section of the media of trying to target him when allegations were raised against Rahul. We will take measures to prevent these incidents from repeating in the future.However, we cant hang someone for sending a message. No complaint has reached me or the party leadership as claimed by the media. In politics, there are instances where leaders are crucified by raising false complaints against them, he said. When reporters drew Satheesans attention to complaints that the MLA had behaved improperly with women mediapersons, he asked why the media did not bring it to his attention. I had supported all the youngsters in politics. However, if they commit something wrong, and if it comes to our notice we take action as per the seriousness of the complaint, he added. Meanwhile, Shafi Parambil, who is known as a mentor of Rahul Mamkootathil, chose not to face the media in Delhi on Thursday. Shafi was also absent in the Lok Sabha and reportedly went to Bihar to participate in Rahul Gandhis vote chori campaign. There is criticism against Shafi for allegedly protecting and supporting Rahul despite the allegations raised against the MLA.