Political turmoil has intensified in Kerala after record turnout in one phase of the assembly elections held on April 9. In view of the increased voting percentage, there is increased enthusiasm about victory in the Indian National Congress and UDF camps.
Thiruvananthapuram: After the Kerala Assembly elections, the discussion within the Congress regarding the post of Chief Minister in the state politics has intensified. If the United Democratic Front (UDF) succeeds in forming the government, the question of who will be the Chief Minister has sparked a new debate within the party. Currently, three prominent names are emerging in the race for the post of Chief Minister – KC Venugopal, VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala. However, the final decision is believed to be in the hands of the Congress leadership, especially the party high command and senior leader Rahul Gandhi.
Discussion on CM post increased after elections
After record voting in Kerala Assembly elections, enthusiasm is being seen in the Congress camp. Amid expectations of a possible victory of UDF, the discussion regarding leadership within the party has intensified. During the election campaign, Congress did not declare any leader as the chief ministerial face, so that internal factionalism could be avoided. Now leadership selection has become the biggest political issue after the results.
Position of the three main contenders
1.KC Venugopal
KC Venugopal is considered close to the party leadership and high command. He has been a part of important organizational responsibilities at the national level of the Congress and is considered to have an important role in the party strategy. His supporters claim that his role in strengthening the electoral strategy and organization has been decisive, putting the Congress in a position for a possible win.
2. VD Satheesan
VD Satheesan is currently the leader of opposition in the assembly and is considered one of the most active faces of the Congress in the state. He had adopted an aggressive stance on the ruling LDF government and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during the election campaign. His supporters say that his public relations ability and ground hold make him a strong contender.
3. Ramesh Chennithala
Ramesh Chennithala is among the senior leaders of Congress and is known for his long experience in the organization. He has earlier also been the leader of opposition in the state assembly. His supporters argue that he should get the post of Chief Minister on the basis of seniority and experience in the party.
The role of high command is important
It is clear within the Congress that the final selection of the Chief Minister will not only depend on the opinion of the MLAs, but the consent of the party high command will also be necessary. According to sources, Rahul Gandhi can play a decisive role in this decision. It is also believed within the party that the central leadership will take decisions keeping in mind the balance and regional equations.
Kerala Congress has been facing the challenge of factionalism for a long time. This time, before the elections, the party did not present any face for the post of CM, so that internal differences could be avoided. According to the party organization, KC Venugopal has played an important role in keeping the election strategy balanced, who tried to maintain coordination between different factions.
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