‘Unconventional’ Elangovan in hot seat
Congress high command’s sudden decision puts rival factions in consultation mode
Update: 2014-11-02 05:43 GMT
Chennai: The sudden resignation of B.S. Gnanadesikan as the PCC president surprised many but the quick announcement of E.V.K.S. Elangovan as the successor was even more surprising. The ‘dark horse’ is known for his ‘unconventional’ in the true Congress sense methods that often attract rivals’ ire and consequently get public attention. Whether that would help lift the Congress from its deep dumps in Tamil Nadu remains to be seen.
The former Union textiles minister is the son of E.V.K. Sampath and grandson of Periyar E.V. Ramasamy’s brother Krishnasamy. His mother Sulochana is the daughter of Thirupathur G. Samy Naidu who was one of the pillars of the Justice Party. She had held several important positions in the AIADMK regime including that of chairperson of the slum clearance board. Mr. Elangovan is a dedicated leader who is amiable and acceptable to almost all in the party.
When he was made the TNCC chief in 1999, EVKS had no office and had to function from the dubbing theatre of Manorama. Before his appointment then, he had written to Ms Sonia Gandhi saying that the party could be rejuvenated in Tamil Nadu only if Thindivanam K. Ramamurthy was replaced as PCC chief by a dynamic leader.
If he had found that first term as the PCC chief challenging, EVKS is sure to find the present one even tougher. Already, Mr G.K. Vasan has hinted at revolt at the exit of his loyalist Gnanadesikan from PCC helm. For his part, EVKS has indicated which way he would lean in the coming days by quickly calling on former Union minister P. Chidambaram — who heads the anti-Vasan faction with a bouquet of flowers after the AICC announced him as chief of TN Congress Committee.