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Suspense Peaks in Kerala as Congress CM Decision Awaits High Command Arrival
Thiruvananthapuram: Ten days after the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) secured a historic 102-seat mandate in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, the state remains in a leadership deadlock. A final decision on the next Chief Minister, expected on Thursday evening, has been delayed following the late arrival of a chartered flight from New Delhi carrying AICC General Secretary in charge of Kerala, Deepa Das Munshi, and central observers.
The impasse stems from an intense triangular contest between former Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal, and veteran leader Ramesh Chennithala. While Venugopal, a trusted aide to the Gandhi family, reportedly holds the support of a majority of the 63 Congress MLAs, Satheesan enjoys strong public sentiment and the formal backing of key allies like the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). Chennithala has pitched his case based on administrative seniority and his role as a seasoned troubleshooter.
The delay has sparked unprecedented factional friction, including "poster wars" in Wayanad and Kozhikode targeting the central leadership, and mass resignation threats from local committees. The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting, originally scheduled for 1:00 PM at Indira Bhavan, was deferred as leaders awaited the high-level delegation.
Notably, current reports indicate K.C. Venugopal is not traveling with the High Command delegation to Thiruvananthapuram, fueling speculation that the choice may have shifted toward an elected MLA to avoid a six-month by-election window. Once the CLP formally elects its leader, the UDF is expected to meet Governor Rajendra Arlekar to stake its claim for government formation immediately. (Jithin Raj)
