The battle for the Kerala Chief Minister's post within the Congress party escalated from closed-door negotiations to open street mobilisation on Thursday, as rival factions staged demonstrations, erected flex boards, and pressed competing claims before AICC observers tasked with selecting the state's next leader. The power struggle erupted despite the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) sweeping 103 seats in the 140-member assembly, giving the party its largest mandate in decades and reviving factional fault lines that had been buried during the campaign.
AICC observers hold marathon consultations
AICC observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken held extensive consultations with senior functionaries, MPs, newly elected MLAs, and UDF allies before the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) adopted a resolution authorising party president Mallikarjun Kharge to choose the next Chief Minister. Three contenders intensified lobbying across the 63-member Congress bloc: party MP KC Venugopal (63), six-term MLAs VD Satheesan (61) and Ramesh Chennithala (69).
Contenders claim varying levels of support
Venugopal's camp claimed backing from 43 MLAs, while Satheesan and Chennithala factions projected support from 35 and 22 MLAs, respectively, triggering aggressive last-minute manoeuvring before the party brass finalises the decision. Sources said camps led by Satheesan and Chennithala resisted attempts to project Venugopal as a consensus candidate. Venugopal's supporters argued that the numbers decisively tilted the race in his favour. MP and former KPCC chief K Sudhakaran submitted a letter backing Venugopal's candidature.
Satheesan emphasises public sentiment and coalition dynamics
During consultations, Satheesan is said to have argued that the choice of Chief Minister could not hinge solely on arithmetic within the CLP but should also factor in public sentiment and coalition dynamics. Many UDF allies, including IUML, RSP, Kerala Congress, CMP, and Kerala Congress (Jacob), are learnt to have backed Satheesan. The Congress brass is also weighing the possible political fallout if Venugopal gets the nod.
High stakes in succession contest
Sources said Satheesan has indicated he could stay away from both cabinet and organisational responsibilities if denied the top post, raising the stakes in an already volatile succession contest. Maken said the observers held one-on-one consultations with all MLAs before leaving for Delhi to submit a report to the party brass. A decision on the Chief Minister is expected by Sunday after consultations with the party leadership.
