Thiruvananthapuram: Following the UDF’s emphatic victory in Kerala, the Congress leadership has moved into decisive efforts to choose the head of the government. With behind-the-scenes moves intensifying around three prominent leaders—K.C. Venugopal, V.D. Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala—for the post of Chief Minister, AICC observers will arrive in Kerala today to seek the opinion of the MLAs. The High Command is moving to announce the Chief Minister within two days, with the aim of ensuring that the new government is sworn in before May 10.
K.C. Venugopal’s strength lies in his considerable influence with the High Command and the claim that he enjoys the support of a majority of MLAs.
Leaders including former KPCC president K. Sudhakaran have come out in support of K.C. However, if he assumes the Chief Minister’s post, the need to face two by-elections and the violation of the party’s decision that MPs should not contest Assembly elections remain challenges.
At the same time, V.D. Satheesan, who led the front to victory as Leader of the Opposition, enjoys strong support from allies including the Muslim League, as well as from Deepa Das Munshi, who is in charge of Kerala. The enthusiastic reception Satheesan received in Kochi is also being seen as evidence of his popularity.
Ramesh Chennithala, meanwhile, has intensified his fight with a strong demand that seniority be considered. He is using as a political weapon the fact that, in 2021, despite having the support of a majority of MLAs, he was denied the post, along with the assurance allegedly given to him by Sonia Gandhi at that time. He will leave for Delhi today to hold direct discussions on the matter.
There is also a compromise formula before the High Command under which, if K.C. Venugopal withdraws, Ramesh Chennithala may be considered for the Chief Minister’s post while V.D. Satheesan may be given important portfolios. In Delhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have already held preliminary discussions. Based on the report submitted by the observers, the High Command is expected to announce Kerala’s new leader soon.
