Thiruvananthapuram, Amid reports of strong resentment and objection by a section of leaders, veteran leader K Sudhakaran on Wednesday took over as the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president after a short gap.
Here at the party headquarters, his fans welcomed him warmly by draping them with shawls and raising slogans.
However, key leaders including MM Hassan, who was serving as KPCC acting president in Sudhakaran's absence, were conspicuous by their absence when he came to take charge.
Earlier in the day, Sudhakaran met veteran leader AK Antony at his residence before assuming charge.
As per the instructions of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), Sudhakaran temporarily handed over the post to Hasan following his candidature from Kannu constituency in the recent Lok Sabha elections.There were reports that the party leadership had asked him to wait till the election results next month to resume charge as KPCC chief following the objection raised by a group of state leaders.
However, state and national leaders rejected the reports and said Hassa had been given charge under a temporary arrangement.
Addressing a press conference after assuming charge, Sudhakaran dismissed media reports about a rift within the party over his withdrawal.
Responding to questions, he said that he has taken charge as per the instructions of AICC.
When reporters asked about Hasan's absence, he said that the senior leader might have felt that his presence was not required at the ceremony.Sudhakaran said, "But I wish for his presence there."
When reporters asked if there was any delay in bringing him back to the post of KPCC chief, he said, "All these decisions are taken by the AICC."
“And it depends on each individual as to when they will hand back the post,” he said.
Sudhakaran is trying his electoral luck for the second consecutive time from politically unstable Kannur during the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.
Here at the party headquarters, his fans welcomed him warmly by draping them with shawls and raising slogans.
However, key leaders including MM Hassan, who was serving as KPCC acting president in Sudhakaran's absence, were conspicuous by their absence when he came to take charge.
Earlier in the day, Sudhakaran met veteran leader AK Antony at his residence before assuming charge.
As per the instructions of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), Sudhakaran temporarily handed over the post to Hasan following his candidature from Kannu constituency in the recent Lok Sabha elections.There were reports that the party leadership had asked him to wait till the election results next month to resume charge as KPCC chief following the objection raised by a group of state leaders.
However, state and national leaders rejected the reports and said Hassa had been given charge under a temporary arrangement.
Addressing a press conference after assuming charge, Sudhakaran dismissed media reports about a rift within the party over his withdrawal.
Responding to questions, he said that he has taken charge as per the instructions of AICC.
When reporters asked about Hasan's absence, he said that the senior leader might have felt that his presence was not required at the ceremony.Sudhakaran said, "But I wish for his presence there."
When reporters asked if there was any delay in bringing him back to the post of KPCC chief, he said, "All these decisions are taken by the AICC."
“And it depends on each individual as to when they will hand back the post,” he said.
Sudhakaran is trying his electoral luck for the second consecutive time from politically unstable Kannur during the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.
