Tamil Nadu Congress functionaries are preparing to meet senior party leader Sonia Gandhi to press for leadership changes aimed at preventing cadres from moving to TDP, according to party sources.
With the appointment of a new Tamil Nadu Congress president said to be certain, several senior leaders and MPs are seen positioning themselves for the post. Names of former state chiefs and sitting MPs have been doing the rounds within the party.
Sources said Rahul Gandhi’s side is considering appointing a younger leader in the state, and informal phone interactions have reportedly been held with a few individuals. Party functionaries said some names, including AICC office-bearers, are under consideration.
At the same time, a section within the state unit has been pitching for former MP Peter Alphonse to be given the role. Another concern flagged by leaders is that district-level office-bearers and workers are said to be preparing to join TDP after the election results, believing it could improve their prospects in local body polls.
Following a recent closed-door discussion at former MLA Muruganandam’s residence, around 25 leaders are expected to travel to Delhi to submit their demands. They plan to urge that Rahul Gandhi take charge as AICC president, that a new Tamil Nadu chief be appointed along with five working presidents, and that MPs be kept out of these roles under a “one person, one post” principle, to be conveyed to Sonia Gandhi and K C Venugopal.
