High Command steps in as CM face campaign heats up in Congress

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress high command has stepped in to control campaigns projecting senior leaders for the Chief Minister’s post in Kerala. It is reported that Deepa Dasmunsi, AICC General Secretary in charge of Kerala, discussed the issue with leaders, including V D Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala.

The national leadership expressed dissatisfaction over campaigns being carried out in recent days through social media and other platforms. Following this, KPCC president Sunny Joseph issued a warning against public statements. He said that making statements through social media, print, or visual media that bring disrepute to the party would be considered a violation of discipline.

Soon after, posters congratulating V D Satheesan as the “next Chief Minister” appeared in districts like Ernakulam, Malappuram, and Kannur. In another incident, a pictorial feature praising the performance of Ramesh Chennithala was published in an English daily by a DCC general secretary in Thiruvananthapuram. These developments reportedly angered the high command. Though leaders claim these actions were not done with their knowledge, none have openly denied them.

Discussion after results
If the UDF secures a majority when votes are counted on May 4, high command representatives are expected to reach Kerala the next day to hold discussions on the Chief Minister’s post. The leadership wants to avoid public controversy and finalise the decision smoothly.

Earlier, KPCC Working President P C Vishnunath had said that the Chief Minister would be announced within 48 hours if the UDF comes to power. The announcement will be made after the Congress leadership makes a decision and informs alliance partners.

Expected to win 85 seats
After internal assessments, Congress expects the UDF to win around 85 seats and return to power. While some leaders had earlier claimed that the alliance could win over 100 seats, senior leaders now consider that to be an overestimation.