CHENNAI: The induction of G.K. Vasan into the Union Ministry has come as a blessing in disguise for some groups in the State unit of the Congress, which are "bent on replacing him from the post of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president at any cost."

The moment he was inducted, leaders of various TNCC groups made a beeline for New Delhi to demand his removal from the party post. Raising the one-man-one-post principle, they are still camping there.

These leaders, who are united in removing Mr. Vasan, however, are not ready to project an alternative leader. Every group wants his leader to lead the State unit. Though it is the high command that decides the party candidates for the Assembly elections, the PCC chief will also have a say.

These leaders argue that it will be difficult for Mr. Vasan to concentrate on party matters as he will be busy with official work. Managing election work is a challenging task and the party should have a full time president.

"Lost opportunity"

They say the party, heading the Centre, had a golden opportunity to strengthen its roots. But Mr. Vasan did not capitalise on it. It was the Dravida Munnetra Kazagam that was leading the show in the State. It had created an impression that it was only due to its efforts that many Central schemes were initiated in Tamil Nadu.

But supporters of Mr. Vasan are against change at this juncture. They say it will be disastrous to appoint a new president at a time when the Assembly elections are just three months away. They claim despite many groups in the party, it is Mr. Vasan who enjoys the backing of a majority of the cadres. Moreover, he has a cordial relation with leaders of the Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA). Replacing him at this stage will send a wrong signal to the alliance constituents.

Charge denied

Denying that Mr. Vasan had failed to utilise the favourable atmosphere prevailing in the State ever since the Congress took over at the Centre, they say right from the day he was appointed as the State party chief he has been touring the districts and meeting district leaders and workers. He was also organising public meetings to propagate the good work being done by the Centre. Unfortunately, he did not get the required support from district presidents, who were appointed during the previous TNCC's regime. They never called on him whenever he toured the districts, leave alone participating in the public meetings.

"No proof"

A senior Congress leader, who does not want to be named, says whoever becomes the party president, the same situation will continue. Every Congress leader in the State claims he has the backing of a majority of the workers. But there is no proof to substantiate the claims. As long as the organisational polls are not conducted it will be difficult to build up the party. Unfortunately, a majority of the leaders are not in favour an organisational poll fearing it will expose their real strength.

Reports from Delhi indicate that the high command is not in favour of a change in leadership at this point though it is agreeable for a change after the Assembly elections.

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