Battle for CM post intensifies: From infighting and flex boards to Thulabharam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Discussions over the Chief Minister post have intensified within the Congress in Kerala, even as the party leadership and high command have asked leaders to avoid such debates for now. Despite the directive, internal discussions and supporter-led campaigns continue, creating a headache for the leadership.

With only days left for the election results, the race for the top post has become more visible. The focus is mainly on Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan, former Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, and AICC General Secretary K. C. Venugopal. The party high command believes the debate has crossed acceptable limits.

The high command had directed the KPCC to strictly control social media campaigns. Rahul Gandhi also asked leaders to refrain from making public claims about their eligibility and to stop supporter-driven online campaigns. However, flex boards and banners backing Satheesan and Chennithala continue to appear in several places.

Meanwhile, a ritual linked to K.C. Venugopal has gone viral on social media. Reports say a special offering (Thulabharam) was conducted at a temple in Palakkad district seeking his elevation to the Chief Minister post. The ritual was reportedly performed on his birth star day by a Youth Congress leader.

K.C. Venugopal has maintained that he is not interested in discussions about the Chief Minister post. V.D. Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala are remaining silent on the issue. At the same time, personal attacks among supporters are increasing on social media and spilling into public spaces through flex boards targeting rival leaders.

Recently, a flex board in Muvattupuzha read, 'UDF will win, V.D. Satheesan will lead.' In response, another banner erected near the Ernakulam DCC office read, 'Satheesan's wish to become Chief Minister by degrading Ramesh Chennithala will not become reality.'

Senior leaders continue to engage in the debate despite KPCC instructions to avoid such discussions before the results. The Indian Union Muslim League, a key ally in the UDF, has also expressed dissatisfaction over the ongoing discussions ahead of the results.