That is the question agitating the Congress leaders as well as the rank and file with the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee’s executive meeting deciding to implement the one man one post norm from July.

If the mood at last week’s KPCC executive committee meeting is any indication, then there is every possibility of KPCC chief Ramesh Chennithala stepping down.

The stormy meeting saw a host of members vehemently criticizing Ramesh for the lackluster performance of the Congress in the assembly elections. Senior Congress leader V M Sudheeran said poor candidate selection and rampant groupism were responsible for the below par show of the Congress. He went to the extent of saying that but for the campaign undertaken by Defence Minister A K Antony, the Congress would have cut a sorry figure.

Mr V D Satheeshan, who was denied a minister’s post despite his excellent performance in the last assembly, squarely blamed Chennithala for the Congress debacle. Apart from poor selection of candidates, what did the Congress in was Ramesh’s decision to contest the assembly elections. That move created a lot of confusion among the party’s rank and file and damaged the party’s prospects, Satheeshan contended.

The million dollar question in view of the mounting criticism of Chennithala’s style of functioning is: will he prefer to remain KPCC chief or stay as an MLA? His position as KPCC chief has become untenable with increasing criticism against him at the KPCC executive committee meeting.

Of course, Ramesh loyalists are putting up a stiff resistance to ensure that he is not forced to step down.

Much will depend on the attitude of Mr A K Antony, who is learnt to favour a new president for the KPCC. If the Congress high command goes by his opinion, then Chennithala may have to quit as PCC president.

In case Mr Chennithala steps down, there is a chance of Mr Sudheeran taking over as the KPCC chief. There is a section within the Kerala PCC that only a leader of Mr Sudheeran’s caliber and stature can steer the party through the turbulent times through which it is passing. (IPA)