The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is preparing to form the next government in Kerala after securing a massive victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.
However, even before the celebrations settled, the focus shifted to an intense leadership battle over who will become the next Chief Minister of the state.
The UDF won 102 seats in the 140-member Kerala Assembly, ending a decade-long rule of the Left Democratic Front (LDF). With the mandate secured, the Congress leadership is now working to choose the face of the new government.
Three senior Congress leaders — VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and KC Venugopal — have emerged as the main contenders for the top post.
Delhi Becomes Centre of Political Activity
All three leaders reached New Delhi as the Congress high command accelerated consultations regarding the leadership decision.
Party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior Congress leaders have been holding discussions throughout the week. A final announcement on Kerala’s next Chief Minister is expected soon.
The Congress Legislative Party had earlier passed a resolution authorising the party high command to select the legislative leader, effectively giving the final decision-making authority to the central leadership.
Senior Congress observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken also submitted their assessment report after meeting newly elected MLAs in Kerala.
Poster War Reflects Growing Factional Tension
The competition among supporters of the three leaders has spilled into public view across Kerala.
Supporters of VD Satheesan organised marches in Thiruvananthapuram, while posters backing KC Venugopal appeared in several areas. Supporters of Ramesh Chennithala also installed large hoardings in different districts.
Political tensions escalated further after a flex board featuring late former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and KC Venugopal was reportedly vandalised. The incident triggered sharp reactions from senior Congress leaders, many of whom appealed for unity within the party.
Several leaders warned against pressure tactics and public campaigns influencing the Chief Minister selection process.
VD Satheesan Seen as Frontrunner
VD Satheesan is currently viewed by many political observers as the leading contender for the Chief Minister’s post.
The 61-year-old leader served as the Leader of Opposition during the previous assembly term and became one of the most prominent faces of the Congress campaign against the LDF government.
Satheesan, a five-time MLA, is credited with aggressively raising public issues in the Assembly and strengthening the UDF’s political momentum in recent years.
He has also reportedly received support from important UDF allies, including leaders of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
Ramesh Chennithala Relies on Experience
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala is also a strong contender due to his long organisational and administrative experience.
The former Leader of Opposition has deep roots within the Congress party and previously served as the national president of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI).
Chennithala recently met senior Congress leadership in Delhi as discussions intensified. However, political observers note that the Congress defeat in the 2021 Kerala elections under his leadership may influence the final decision.
KC Venugopal Holds National Influence
KC Venugopal remains another powerful name in the race because of his close association with the Congress central leadership.
Currently serving as Congress general secretary (organisation), Venugopal is considered one of the party’s most trusted national leaders and works closely with Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.
However, his possible elevation to the Chief Minister’s post may create a major gap in the party’s national organisational structure. Additionally, he did not contest the Assembly elections, which could become an important factor during the final selection process.
Shashi Tharoor’s Meeting Sparks Speculation
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also met Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi, leading to fresh political speculation.
Although Tharoor’s name has surfaced in discussions as a possible surprise candidate, he is largely seen as a leader focused on national politics rather than state administration.
The Thiruvananthapuram MP stated that he met the Congress president to share his assessment of the political situation in Kerala.
So far, Tharoor has avoided publicly backing any candidate in the leadership contest.
Congress Leadership to Take Final Call
The final decision on Kerala’s next Chief Minister will be taken by the Congress high command, with Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi expected to play the key role.
Senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan expressed confidence that the party would remain united regardless of who is selected.
As Kerala prepares for a change in government after ten years, political attention now remains fixed on Delhi, where the Congress leadership is expected to announce the next Chief Minister soon.
