KUALA LUMPUR: An intense fight is expected for the post of MIC Wanita chief in the party elections this year.

Talk is rife that Wanita chief Datin Paduka P. Komala Devi (picture) will face a contest from her deputy and Perak Wanita leader, Thangasvari Suppiah, and Federal Territory Wanita chief G. Loga Chitra.

The nomination date for posts in the Wanita wing is Aug 8, with the election fixed for Aug 16.

Wanita sources said an increasing number of members were unhappy with Komala's leadership.

Paya Besar Wanita division chief S. Uma Rajan said most members had high expectations after she ousted former Wanita chief Datin Paduka Jaya Partiban but were disappointed.

"The last time Komala came to meet us in Kuantan was to campaign in 2006.

"After that, she has never visited us or even made a phone call," she said.

However, a division leader, who did not want to be identified, said Komala should stay for another term to groom new leaders and that there should not be a contest to avoid friction in the movement.

"Besides, the other two who are vying for the post are not new people. They have been there all this while but holding different posts. What changes did they bring?" she asked.

Supporters of Loga Chitra said she had an edge as she was younger and had a voice in government as she was a senator.

Supporters of Thangasvari said she was more approachable and had better grassroots backing compared with the other two.

Another plus point for Thangasvari is the support from Jaya's camp.

One source said the top party leadership favoured a compromise, but a Wanita leader said even if the three agreed, there would be others who would want to contest.

"This time, a contest is unavoidable," she added.

Komala, when contacted, said she would only make an announcement to defend her post after all the 12 Wanita state conventions were held.

"My priority now is to refine the Wanita movement," she said.