Who will be Kerala's next CM? Congress leaders’ supporters launch social media campaigns

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With nine days left for the Assembly election results, internal competition within the Congress over the Chief Minister’s post has intensified. Campaigning is largely taking place through social media. The Muslim League (IUML) Malappuram district committee has expressed dissatisfaction over the premature discussions about the Chief Ministerial position.

Posts highlighting the achievements and political journeys of Ramesh Chennithala, V. D. Satheesan and K. C. Venugopal are widely circulating online. Although the three leaders have not publicly commented on the issue, they have also not strongly rejected these campaigns.

Several videos showcasing Ramesh Chennithala’s role in student movements and protests have been shared online. He has also launched a podcast titled Kerala Yathra, focusing on the state’s overall development. One episode discusses the “Kubera Operation” initiated during his tenure as Home Minister. The podcast also addresses key issues in Kerala, including drug abuse, the Vizhinjam port project and the agricultural sector, along with possible solutions.

Supporters of K. C. Venugopal have also been active on social media, especially after he stated that he is not interested in discussions about the Chief Ministerial post and that his remarks can be interpreted in any manner. A documentary is also being prepared by a filmmaker, highlighting his student activism, police encounters during protests and parliamentary career.

Meanwhile, social media campaigns have also appeared in support of Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan. A flex board describing him as the “designated Chief Minister of Kerala” was recently put up in Parappuram in Malappuram. The board, installed under the name of the Parappuram group, carried the message: “Greetings to designated Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan.”