Congress Leader K Muraleedharan Takes Veiled Dig at Party Over Keralam CM Selection Delay

Thiruvananthapuram: Amid continuing uncertainty over the selection of Keralam's next Chief Minister, senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan took a veiled dig at the party leadership, comparing the delay in decision-making to a train running late during bad weather.

Responding to media questions regarding the prolonged discussions over the Chief Minister’s post, Muraleedharan remarked that delays are common “especially when it is a Delhi-bound journey,” in an apparent reference to the party high command’s role in finalising the leadership decision.

He said the uncertainty was creating inconvenience for the public and pointed out that there was still no clarity on when the high command would announce its final decision. Using another metaphor, he added that “there is no point running behind a moving train” and that passengers can only get down once the train reaches the station.

Muraleedharan stressed that the final call rests entirely with the party leadership in New Delhi and said all opinions had already been conveyed to the high command. “I have already expressed my stand. There is nothing more for me to say,” he told reporters. He also dismissed reports suggesting that coalition partners were lobbying for any particular leader, calling such claims mere speculation.

Meanwhile, factional tensions within the State Congress unit continue despite directives from AICC to end internal infighting and remove promotional flex boards supporting rival leaders for the post.

Although some posters and banners were removed in Thiruvananthapuram, including near the KPCC headquarters, similar displays remain in several districts. In some areas, supporters even installed fresh boards despite strict instructions from the party leadership.

Over the past six days since the election results were announced, supporters of leaders including K C Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala, and V D Satheesan have engaged in public confrontations, vandalism, and cyber clashes. Reports also emerged of posters being torn down, abusive slogans being raised, and even images of late former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy being damaged during the factional rivalry.