Factional feud may delay GCDA chairman posting

KOCHI: The appointment of the chairman of the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) is likely to be delayed with the different factions in the Congress roping in their representatives for the top post. The names of KPCC general secretary N Venugopal and senior Congress leader A C Jose are being projected from the I group, sources said. From the A group, the prominent names that are doing the rounds are that of K Mohammed Ali and M O John. “There are chances that Venugopal might be chosen for the post as Jose had not shown any interest. Senior councillor Leno Jacob is also being considered for the post,” sources said.The factional feud in the Congress was at its peak during the election of the Mayor of the Corporation. At that time, Tony Chammany, the A group nominee, was considered for the post of Mayor, which saw senior Congress I leader Venugopal running out of the race. Venugopal’s defeat only fuelled the group rivalry and in retaliation to the defeat, the Congress I captured the post of Ernakulam district panchayat president. Since he lost the race to the Mayor’s post, Venugopal had not hesitated to challenge the council’s decision whenever he got a chance.“If Venugopal is opted as the GCDA chairperson, he will have to resign his post as the councillor. The A group leaders are of the opinion that the appointment of Venugopal as the GCDA chairman will help the present Corporation Council to act more freely. However, the decision will be taken at the  Congress parliamentary meeting likely to be convened in the end of this month,” sources said.