New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram | May 9,2026 | SKY LINK TIMES
Kerala CM Race Intensifies:
Saturday has emerged as the most crucial day for the Congress leadership as the party high command enters the final round of discussions to choose Kerala’s next Chief Minister following the United Democratic Front’s sweeping Assembly election victory.
With intense lobbying, public demonstrations, pressure from alliance partners and competing factions within the Congress, political attention has shifted to New Delhi where the party leadership is expected to take the final decision.
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Senior Kerala Congress leaders, including V. D. Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and KPCC president Sunny Joseph, are scheduled to meet AICC president Mallikarjuna Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi. The outcome of these discussions is expected to shape not only the leadership of the new Kerala government but also the future direction of the Congress in the state.
Venugopal Emerges Strong Contender
At the centre of the leadership contest is AICC general secretary K. C. Venugopal, who has reportedly secured the support of a majority of Congress MLAs. Party sources indicate that nearly 47 of the 63 Congress legislators backed Venugopal before AICC observers, citing his organisational strength and influence within the national leadership as key reasons for supporting his candidature.
However, the contest remains highly competitive.
Public Sentiment Favors Satheesan
Public sentiment in Kerala, along with the position taken by key UDF ally Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), appears to favour V. D. Satheesan, who spearheaded the Congress campaign against the Left Democratic Front government led by Pinarayi Vijayan.
Supporters of Satheesan have organised demonstrations, torchlight marches and slogan campaigns across several districts, demanding that the leader who guided the electoral battle should become Chief Minister.
The Congress high command is reportedly unhappy with the aggressive public mobilisation in Satheesan’s favour, viewing it as a breach of party discipline. Senior leaders are expected to express their displeasure during Saturday’s discussions, with concerns emerging that the protests may be perceived as a direct challenge to the authority of the central leadership.
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IUML Pressure Adds to Leadership Challenge
Further complicating the situation is the intervention of the Indian Union Muslim League leadership under Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal. Sources suggest that IUML leaders have conveyed to senior Congress figures, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, that the alliance strongly favours Satheesan and believes public sentiment cannot be ignored.
The IUML has reportedly warned that sidelining Satheesan could have political consequences for the alliance.
Meanwhile, veteran Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala continues to project himself as a possible compromise candidate if the leadership fails to bridge differences between the Venugopal and Satheesan camps. His supporters argue that his administrative experience and seniority could help maintain stability within the party.
Final Decision Expected by Evening
Congress observers who reviewed the political situation in Kerala have reportedly described the atmosphere as highly complex. While public opinion appears to favour Satheesan, Venugopal continues to enjoy overwhelming support among legislators.
By Saturday evening, the Congress leadership is expected to attempt a delicate balancing act, possibly through a broader power-sharing formula involving cabinet portfolios and organisational responsibilities.
Until then, Kerala politics remains tense as the state waits for the Congress high command to announce who will occupy the Chief Minister’s chair after the UDF secured a dominant 102 seats in the 140-member Kerala Assembly.
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