Congress Leadership Leans Towards KC Venugopal for Keralam CM Post, National Media Reports; Factional Rivalry Continues

Thiruvananthapuram: National media has reported that the Congress leadership has almost finalized its choice for the next Chief Minister of Keralam, with an official declaration likely within the next two days.

According to reports citing party insiders, senior Congress leader K C Venugopal has emerged as the frontrunner for the post after extensive consultations within the party leadership. Sources indicated that his close coordination with the central leadership and his role during the Assembly election campaign strengthened his position in the race.

"Party sources said AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal has the strong backing of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for the post," The New Indian Express reported.

Eventhough V D Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala claimed their stakes on the chief ministerial position, reports said a significant section of the party’s MLAs and MPs expressed support for Venugopal during internal deliberations.

National media outlets further reported that the Congress high command is closely monitoring political developments on ground in Keralam through direct feedback mechanisms rather than relying solely on senior state leaders' assessments.

The final announcement is expected to be made by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge after the completion of internal party procedures. While the party has not officially confirmed the decision, indications from New Delhi point to a consensus emerging around Venugopal’s name.