Public bickering over the long-delayed revival of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) is hardly happening, but many leaders feel that the “organisational bloat”, as one put it, could cause serious discomfort to the party.
While some of them agreed that the measure was meant to “accommodate” everyone in view of the upcoming elections, they find the oversized Political Affairs Committee (PAC), which was supposed to be a high-powered body to discuss critical issues, “impractical, unnecessary and ineffective”.
“From an original strength of around 20, it has seen 39 leaders, many of whom will have to introduce themselves to be known to others,” quipped a senior leader from central Kerala.
Comparison
“Restructuring does not instill confidence in the party. In the past, senior leaders were members of such committees, according to the size and selection methods, it is now embarrassing to be included in the committee,” he added. The leader lamented that those in key positions in the central leadership were eager to recruit their loyalists instead of forming a slim body of leaders with political power.
The former KPCC president criticized the weakening of the PAC. “When I led the party, the PAC met once a month and in times of emergency. Discussions and debates would be elaborated until we reached a consensus. Now it has become a forum for aspirants,” he said.
An executive based at headquarters said the PAC had become a seniors’ forum with little momentum. “Ritually it comes together once in a while and there’s no room for creative discussion,” he said.
Few women’s voices
Shanimol Osman, one of three women in the 39-member PAC, said all political parties consider women’s representation a sign of generosity. “No one sees it as a women’s right. If there was no reservation, women would hardly get seats in the elections,” she said. However, Ms. Osman felt that a large committee with experienced leaders could work well if carefully managed.
Some senior leaders are considering approaching the party high command and the state leadership with their remarks of disapproval, but none are ready to blow the whistle publicly as they believe it would put the party in further jeopardy on the eve of elections.
Published – 17 Oct 2025 20:54 IST
