As the Congress high command prepares to name Kerala’s next Chief Minister, backers of leading contenders V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala mobilize on streets and social media statewide.
Street Demonstrations and Flex Board Clashes
AICC observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken arrived Thursday for the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting and one-on-one talks with the party’s 63 MLAs. Near Indira Bhavan, six flex boards endorsing MP K C Venugopal—who skipped the assembly polls—sprang up. One board in Thiruvananthapuram suffered vandalism when grease oil was poured on it.
Protests backing V D Satheesan erupted across multiple districts. Posters opposing Venugopal and boosting Satheesan surfaced in Alappuzha and Irikkur in Kannur. Ramesh Chennithala trails in visible displays but garners fierce online advocacy urging his elevation to the top post.
Behind-the-Scenes MLA Support and Party Signals
Indications suggest Venugopal holds majority backing among MLAs, conveyed through subtle social media activity and media interactions rather than overt declarations. The CLP resolution empowers the AICC president to select the CLP leader, who will serve as Chief Minister, potentially shifting the three-way battle to New Delhi headquarters.
Observers plan to deliver their report Friday, followed by summons for Kerala leaders to the party HQ for conclusive talks ahead of the announcement.
Allies’ Preferences and Unity Assurances
UDF alliance partners largely favor V D Satheesan yet avoid public endorsements. K Muraleedharan, victorious in Vattiyoorkavu, dismissed the fervor as typical in a democratic outfit like Congress.
Speaking to reporters Friday, Muraleedharan stated, “Once the Chief Minister is finalized, the party will unite behind the decision. The decision will come in two days. It will most probably come by Sunday.”
He shared his views on the CM pick with observers, factoring in local voter sentiments. “I will accept whoever is selected. I hope the high command will decide after considering public sentiment. But I will accept whatever decision is taken,” he added.
Muraleedharan praised the high command’s transparent approach: “This is a democratic procedure which cannot be decided in a few hours. The Congress has 63 MLAs. Their opinion, along with that of allied parties, was heard. The decision will not be taken based on the size of the flex boards of leaders.”
