Kerala's CM Suspense: A Party Torn Between Its Grassroots and Its High Command

The euphoria of a landslide victory has given way to an unseemly scramble . Just days after the Congress-led United Democratic Front swept the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections , winning 102 of 140 seats , with Congress alone securing a record 63 seats , the party finds itself mired in a bitter internal contest that has spilled from closed-door meetings onto the streets of the state it is yet to formally govern.

The Congress had not declared a chief ministerial candidate before the elections, instead projecting a collective leadership . This was partly a strategic necessity following the death of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in 2023, widely regarded as the party’s tallest leader in the state. That deliberate ambiguity, once a tactical asset, has now turned into a political liability .

Former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan tendered his resignation after the LDF’s defeat on May 5, 2026, setting the clock ticking on Kerala’s government formation. On Saturday, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge convened a meeting at his Delhi residence with Rahul Gandhi , senior AICC leaders, and key Kerala representatives. After hours of deliberations, it was indicated that Kharge and Rahul Gandhi would take the final decision, with an announcement expected “very soon”. With May 23 as the constitutional deadline, pressure is mounting.

Three names dominate the discussion.

All signs currently point to V D Satheesan as the frontrunner. As Leader of the Opposition , he led the campaign aggressively against the Pinarayi Vijayan government, building a strong connect with the cadre and emerging as a mass leader with grassroots appeal . He is also seen as a strong consensus choice among sections of the alliance.

Then comes K C Venugopal , and this is where the real tension lies. As AICC General Secretary and Alappuzha MP, he is reportedly favoured by a section of the central leadership and many Congress MLAs for his organisational skills and close proximity to the top leadership. However, he is not an MLA , having not contested the assembly polls, a fact that has triggered sharp criticism within the party, with opponents branding him a “parachute candidate” from Delhi .

What began as a celebration has now turned into visible factional conflict . Supporters of rival leaders have taken the battle beyond internal discussions into public protests and social media campaigns. In one incident, a Congress worker in Kottayam allegedly attempted self-immolation demanding Satheesan’s elevation. Across Kerala, protests erupted, posters were torn down, and slogans were raised despite party orders banning public demonstrations over leadership issues.

The third contender is Ramesh Chennithala , a veteran leader and former Home Minister. He represents the old guard of Kerala Congress politics and brings long experience, but appears to lack the organisational backing or cadre momentum enjoyed by the other contenders. He is increasingly viewed as a possible compromise candidate if the deadlock persists.

As Delhi weighs its decision, Kerala waits. The Congress high command now faces a crucial test. The choice of Chief Minister will not only shape governance in a politically complex state but will also determine whether the party can hold together its most significant electoral victory in years.