New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram: The keenly watched contest for Kerala’s next Chief Minister has now shifted squarely to the Congress party’s central leadership in Delhi with AICC-appointed observers — Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken — presenting their detailed report to party chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday.
Drawing from inputs of 63 freshly elected Congress MLAs, the document will prove pivotal in settling the state’s leadership position, as reported by DNA.
The one-on-one sessions with MLAs in Kerala concluded on Thursday. AICC general secretary Ajay Maken noted the exercise was conducted efficiently and comprehensively, allowing legislators to voice their opinions and preferred leaders. The Kerala Congress legislature party had previously entrusted the ultimate call to the high command.
Key Contenders Vie In Close Contest
The chief ministership battle now hinges on outgoing Opposition Leader V D Satheesan, ex-minister Ramesh Chennithala and AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, with each drawing support from rival party factions and dueling MLA majority assertions.
Prominent leaders such as Satheesan, Chennithala and state Congress president Sunny Joseph have arrived in Delhi for high-level meetings. Venugopal, based in the capital, is holding talks with top brass. Party insiders reveal AICC’s push for a unifying formula to sidestep discord and solidify legislative cohesion.
Protests, Leaks Add To Tensions
Meanwhile, grassroots friction boiled over with Congress supporters holding rallies in districts like Kannur, Malappuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode. Satheesan backers vocally demanded his ascent, citing his Opposition Leader role.
Chants targeted Venugopal, alleging MLA sway for his candidacy. The KPCC responded with disciplinary cautions, penalizing implicated office-bearers.
Satheesan urged discipline, saying party workers should avoid actions harming unity. He stressed responsibly honoring the Congress-led United Democratic Front’s (UDF) triumph of 102 seats, free of rifts.
Amid the leadership uncertainty, a photo of a purported internal memo on MLA leanings ignited uproar, outlining purported backing trends.
However, Wasnik dismissed legitimacy of the note, insisting it held no real information. MLA Neelakandan, whose name was linked to the row, demanded a clarification from the AICC, stating he had directly informed observers of his stance.
Amid conflicting claims and escalating internal tensions, the AICC leadership gears up to name a consensus candidate for Kerala’s Chief Minister post.
