K C Venugopal's camp secured significant cabinet representation and key portfolios in the new UDF government, reportedly causing discontent among other factions, particularly those aligned with CM V D Satheesan and K Muraleedharan.
Congress leaders V D Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and K C Venugopal held discussions regarding cabinet formation and portfolio allocation ahead of the new UDF government's swearing-in ceremony on Monday. Efforts are underway to ensure unity within the party.
The Congress-led UDF in Kerala is struggling to name its chief ministerial candidate over a week after winning the elections. Senior leaders are in Delhi for discussions, with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge expected to make the final decision. Ramesh Chennithala, V D Satheesan, and K C Venugopal are the frontrunners amidst internal tussle and external criticism.
Congress is expanding consultations to select Kerala's new chief minister, with AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and leader of opposition V D Satheesan vying for the top post. The party leadership is engaging with former state presidents and other leaders to ensure the final nominee is well-received, amid speculation and potential backlash.
Kerala's next chief minister remains undecided as the Congress high command deliberates between K C Venugopal, V D Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala. Lobbying intensifies for the top post, with leaders awaiting a final decision based on merit and political considerations. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are key in the process, urging unity and discipline.
Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are deliberating on the next Chief Minister of Kerala. V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala are the key contenders. The party is also addressing factional protests. A decision is expected soon after consulting with party legislators and allies. The leadership aims for consensus to avoid internal discord.
Congress leadership intervened as supporters of opposition leader V D Satheesan held demonstrations across Kerala, demanding his appointment as the next chief minister. Some activists allegedly tore down posters of AICC leader K C Venugopal, also a contender for the post, prompting the KPCC to direct workers to refrain from such actions.
With the LDF's victory in Kerala, the race for Chief Minister heats up. A leaked list, shared by the BJP, suggests K C Venugopal might be favored by a majority of Congress MLAs. However, one MLA claims his preference was omitted, raising questions about the consultation process. V D Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala are also contenders.
The Congress is set to announce its Kerala chief ministerial pick by Sunday after consultations with newly elected MLAs and senior leaders. The party high command will make the final decision following a resolution authorizing them to choose the CM candidate. Frontrunners include V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala.
