K C Venugopal Stakes Claim as V D Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala Battle for Keralam CM Post

Thiruvananthapuram: Fresh off assembly poll victory, AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal is aggressively vying for Chief Minister post in the UDF government. His faction claims majority backing from Congress's 63 MLAs—35 core supporters, eight from the A-group, and three independents—totaling 46.

Flex boards touting him as "The Real Leader" have appeared beyond Kerala, including one erected at Delhi's Kerala House by Youth congress. In addition, similar flex boards appeared at several locations across Keralam, including one near Thiruvananthapuram DCC office.

The tussle within the Congress over the Chief Minister’s post, which began immediately after the Assembly elections, is expected to intensify further. The key contest is between current Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan and senior leader and former Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala. It remains to be seen whether K C Venugopal will emerge as a high-command nominee in this race.

During celebratory events, party workers openly displayed separate flex boards supporting each of the three leaders. Despite instructions from the party high command to avoid such displays, the rivalry continued through banners, newspaper advertisements, documentaries, and even online campaigns.

Support from MLAs will be crucial in deciding the Chief Ministerial candidate. In 2021, although Chennithala reportedly had stronger backing among MLAs for the post of Opposition Leader, the party high command ultimately appointed V D Satheesan.