A four-cornered contest has emerged for the post of Tamil Nadu Congress president, according to party functionaries.
Sources said the recent Assembly election outcome has caused disappointment for Rahul Gandhi and senior party leaders. They claimed there is internal criticism that supporters of party president Mallikarjun Kharge were given priority during candidate selection.
The sources also pointed to complaints raised by former Tamil Nadu Mahila Congress president Haseena Syed and some Congress MPs alleging that money played a role in the selection of candidates, which they said has added to the unease.
State Congress president K. Selvaperunthagai had earlier indicated he was ready to step down after the election, but he has not resigned. In contrast, Puducherry Congress chief V. Vaithilingam has stepped down taking responsibility for the defeat.
Those said to be actively seeking the Tamil Nadu post include AICC data analytics department head Praveen Chakravarthy, Dr. Chellakumar, and MPs Manickam Tagore and Jyothimani. Sources added that if the high command decides that sitting MLAs or MPs should not hold the state president post, Praveen Chakravarthy could be in contention, and that Girish Chodankar is discussing the choice with Rahul Gandhi.
