NEW DELHI: Internal battle intensified in the Congress over the Chief Minister’s post following the election, as competing factions within the party stake claim to leadership after the UDF’s victory in Keralam. The camp led by AICC General Secratary KC Venugopal has asserted that it commands a clear majority within the Congress Legislature Party (CLP), claiming the backing of nearly 50 of the 63 Congress MLAs. The faction also says eight of the 10 Congress Group A MLAs and three independents are supporting Venugopal, strengthening his position.
According to leaders aligned with him, if the decision is based purely on numerical strength, Venugopal stands as the frontrunner. It is further claimed that when Congress observers arrive in Keralam, more than 43 MLAs will formally communicate their support for him to the central leadership. However, the faction is not fully certain about the support of two successful A Group MLAs, Deepak Joy (Tripunithura) and A. Vincent (Kovalam).
Rival factions push back amid leadership tussle
Despite these claims, the group led by Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan has countered that it has the support of 25 MLAs. The Satheesan faction maintains that the choice of Chief Minister should not be decided solely by headcount, stressing the importance of keeping allies united. There are also indications that Satheesan may adopt a tough stance if he is not considered for the post. His camp further claims strong backing among Congress workers across the state. At the same time, the faction aligned with Ramesh Chennithala has argued that seniority should be given priority in selecting the Chief Minister. While Venugopal’s camp highlights its numerical advantage, his elevation ultimately depends on the approval of the Congress high command, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi.
Meanwhile, Venugopal received a grand reception upon arriving in the national capital after the UDF’s victory. Congress and Youth Congress workers organised a welcome at the Delhi airport, raising slogans in his favour and demanding that he be made Chief Minister.
A crucial meeting to decide on the leadership issue was held in Delhi at 3 pm today at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The meeting was attended by Rahul Gandhi and Venugopal. If the differences are resolved, the final decision is expected to rest with the leadership endorsed by Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, who will play a decisive role in choosing the next Chief Minister of Keralam.
