Thiruvananthapuram: After a gap of 10 years the Congress led UDF returned to power in Kerala with an impressive majority. Though the final results are yet to be available, Congress party on its own yet to touch the magical fifure of 71 seats.
The rank and file of the Congress is Jubilant, but worried about the tug of war over the chief minister’s chair. There are three strong contenders for the CM’s post. The AICC General Secretray and in charge of party organization KC Venugopal, Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing assembly, VD Satheeshan and another veteran Ramesh Chennithala.
Party sources indicate, Lok Sabha member Venugopal, being close to party high command, particularly Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, is the front runner for the coveted job. Though not contested for assembly, Venugopal, had played a major role in distribution of party tickets and many newly elected MLAs are said to be loyal to him. Venugopal is the Lok Sabha member for the last 15 years.
Five time MLA, Satheeshan, who, not only played a significant role as the leader of the Opposition. but also created a conducive atmosphere in the party in challenging the Left Front government in the state. Satheeshan also carried the UDF alliance partners like IUML( Indian Union Muslim League) , RSP and Kerala congress Joseph group in a united way to take on the Left font.
Another dark horse in the chief minister’s race is Ramesh Chennithala who won his assembly seat and was former Home Minister in the State. Ramesh is a war veteran in the state and became a minister more than 30 years ago in Karunakaran’s ministry.
Party sources indicated that a central team of observers would be leaving for Kerala tomorrow to seek the opinion of each and every Congress MLA. After seeking the opinion of each MLA, a report would be submitted to the party high command led by Mallikharjun Kharge.
it is learned, besides Venugopal, other contenders Satheeshan and Ramesh Chennithala learned to have started lobbying with MLAs. Meanwhile, AICC General Secretray and in charge of Kerala, Deepa Das Munishi, who is already in Kerala, looking after the arrangements.
On the other hand, UDF major alliance partner, IUML, is expected to be backing Satheeshan as the CM’s candidate. However, Venugopal supporters maintain that IUML is only an alliance partner and cannot interfere in Congress affairs.
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