New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram: Senior Congress leader Joseph Vazhackan on Thursday reached New Delhi to meet the party's national leadership amid speculation over the appointment of a new Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president in Kerala.
Responding to reporters' queries on whether his visit was aimed at staking a claim to the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president's post, Vazhackan said all party-related matters would be discussed with the senior Congress leaders available in the national capital.
"I have nothing to claim. My only claim is the work I have done for the party over the past 50 years. I have never made any claim in the party," he said.
Current KPCC president Sunny Joseph was recently inducted into the Kerala Cabinet as Electricity Minister, and there has been speculation that the party may appoint a full-time president who is not holding any other responsibility.
"It is not a post that should be asked for or snatched. If I deserve it, it should be given to me. I stake a claim only if I believe I deserve it," Vazhackan said.
The senior Congress leader, who was denied a ticket to contest the Assembly election from Ettumanoor despite preparing for the polls, said party workers wanted a full-time KPCC president.
"I am a 24-hour Congress worker. I have no other responsibilities now and can devote my full time to the party. I have conveyed that I am available if the leadership finds me suitable for the position," he said.
Vazhackan said there was no dispute within the party over the appointment of the new KPCC chief.
He said he was not expecting any preferential treatment after being denied an Assembly ticket, as such decisions rested with the party leadership.
"I feel the sentiment among party workers is that Kerala should have a full-time KPCC president. The organisational structure of the party has to be strengthened further and made more united and disciplined," he said.
In recent days, several senior Congress leaders, including MPs, have publicly said their names should also be considered for the post.
Last week, posters appeared in various parts of Kerala demanding that Sunny Joseph step down as KPCC president after becoming a minister.
Joseph has said he has requested the party leadership to relieve him of the organisational responsibility, saying it was difficult to discharge both roles simultaneously.
