Venugopal for CM and Chennithala for Home? Protests turn the tide against Satheesan

NEW DELHI / THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A week of unprecedented victory for the Congress-led UDF in Kerala has been overshadowed by a deepening leadership crisis, with the party High Command yet to break the deadlock between three heavyweights: K.C. Venugopal, V.D. Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala.

The battle for the top post has moved from the polling booths to the streets, a move that has reportedly infuriated the AICC leadership. Reports submitted to the High Command suggest that the recent street protests in favour of V.D. Satheesan were not organic, but rather "sponsored" events orchestrated by PR agencies. This allegation has significantly soured the mood in New Delhi, with party President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi reportedly asking point-blank whose "program" these protests were.

While Satheesan remains adamant that he deserves the top spot for leading the campaign, the High Command has reportedly issued a blunt challenge: "Show us the numbers." Sources indicate that the majority of the newly elected legislative party, along with several KPCC Working Presidents and MPs, have signalled their preference for AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal.

In an effort to prevent a total fallout, a three-tier power-sharing formula has been proposed:

• K.C. Venugopal as Chief Minister.
• Ramesh Chennithala to return as Home Minister, respecting his seniority.
• V.D. Satheesan to take over the Finance Ministry.

However, sources close to the Leader of the Opposition suggest he is unwilling to accept a secondary role in the cabinet. With the "PR agency" reports and the street protests being viewed as a direct act of defiance against the leadership, Satheesan’s leverage appears to be weakening.

The Congress High Command is expected to issue a final mandate by Wednesday morning to end the suspense and begin the process of government formation.