KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — The fight for the three MIC vice-presidents’ posts is shaping up to be tough as a number of leaders are jostling to move up the ranks. At the moment, eight former and present leaders will contest.

Incumbents vice-presidents Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk M. Saravanan and Perak state speaker Datuk Seri S.K. Devamany have both declared their intentions to defend their posts.

But they face challenges from incumbent Youth chief Datuk T. Mohan and party treasurer-general Datuk Jaspal Singh.

Also throwing their hats into the fray are former MIC vice-president Datuk S. Sothinathan, former Youth chief Datuk S.A. Vigneswaran, Johor state treasurer Datuk S. Balakrishnan and Klang division chairman Datuk Raghu Moorthy

Former MIC strategic director and Samy Vellu’s son S. Vell Paari is not contesting for the vice-presidency, or even for a central working committee (CWC) seat.

The nominations for the deputy presidency, vice-presidency and 23 CWC posts will be held on Saturday, and the elections on November 30.

According to a party insider, the battle lines have already been drawn with Saravanan, Devamany and Mohan teaming up. The source said the trio were closely linked to Subramaniam,

The other team consisted of Sothinathan, Jaspal and Vigneswaran, who were said to be Palanivel’s men.

That left outsiders Balakrishnan and Raghu Moorthy with hardly a chance to win.

The source said even though there were two groups going for the posts, it was unlikely all three members of the group would win.

“The fight will likely go down to between Saravanan, Mohan, Jaspal and Vigneswaran. These four leaders have contributed to the party in their own way.”

He said Mohan had been one of the most visible leaders over the last few years, always turning up with his wing to help the community.

A senior MIC leader said Saravanan had the support of delegates because he has been outspoken about community issues. Being an incumbent also gave him an edge.

The source also said Jaspal had many ideas to help the community but had not been given the chance.

He said that Vignesawaran also stood a good chance of winning as he was a former youth leader who helped youths and the community.

The insider said at the end of the day, there would be four good candidates vying for three posts.