V M Sudheeran, Muslim League and more; How Rahul Gandhi's 'Man Friday' lost the Kerala CM race

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite the big win in the assembly polls, the impasse over the CM selection continued in Kerala for almost ten days. After showing might with the support of MLAs, it was expected that the high command would select none other than KC Venugopal as the Chief Minister. However, the tables turned in the last lap, giving Satheesan the edge.

Initially, KC Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala and VD Satheesan were in a three-way battle for the seat, but Chennithala disappeared at the end of the discussions. Things came to a point where KC Venugopal grabbed more spotlight. Despite this popularity among MLAs and the high command, what led KC to stumble at the end of the discussions?

The heavy defeat in the 2021 assembly elections created a major crisis in the UDF. When a leader's face seemed missing, VD Satheesan, who had an esoteric following among cadres, came forward to take responsibility for taking UDF out of that crisis, and it was not a menial task. The Paravur MLA succeeded in building a strong anti-incumbency narrative and also won people’s support through his timely rhetoric, which led to the party winning 102 seats in the 2026 assembly elections. Satheesan’s efforts were visible in the stunning results of the Lok Sabha, local body, and assembly elections, and the Thrikkakara by-election. This pivoted him to the next CM contender while reducing the spotlight on KC Venugopal, whose efforts largely went unnoticed.

After becoming the opposition leader, VD Satheesan's role was crucial in bringing unity to the front. Going beyond group politics, Satheesan united the Congress and the front's allies (Muslim League and Kerala Congress groups) and conveyed the message of 'Team UDF' to the workers. VD Satheesan maintained the support of allies like the Muslim League, RSP, and Congress Joseph faction throughout the Chief Minister's discussions. Despite being an amicable face, KC Venugopal failed in garnering support from crucial allies, which became crucial for the tables to turn in favour of Satheesan.

Meanwhile, shrewd politicking saw some factions portraying KC Venugopal as a greedy leader trying to milk most of the success brought to Congress through the effort of leaders like VD Satheesan. The protests spread like wildfire among cadres, as many came forward to express dissatisfaction. The reality of High Command favouring KC Venugopal, a prominent name in national politics and not so in the state level, led to supporters and people forming an army in support of V D Satheesan.

Congress cadres even went to the extent of threatening to defeat KC Venugopal if he were to contest in a by-election to become the Chief Minister, violating the earlier stand that MPs should not contest. Moreover, League supporters put up posters in Wayanad and Malappuram regions threatening the Gandhi family that they too would have to bear the brunt of the decision if KC is made the CM. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka won from Wayanad with a humongous margin, only because of the support from the Muslim League and other affiliates.

Senior leader and former KPCC president V.M. Sudheeran informed Rahul Gandhi that the public sentiment in the state was in favour of V.D. Satheesan. Former KPCC presidents Mullappally Ramachandran and K. Muraleedharan also informed the high command that V.D. Satheesan was the rightful candidate, which also dashed KC's hopes. With the coveted seat now gone, KC will make his next move to ensure that his loyalists are given crucial ministry portfolios.