Thiruvananthapuram: With only days remaining for the Assembly elections, the simmering tug-of-war over the chief ministerial post within the Congress in Keralam has spilled into the open. Senior leaders P.J. Kurien and former K. Sudhakaran have publicly projected former Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala as the party’s chief ministerial face, intensifying internal fight within the United Democratic Front (UDF). At a time when factional equations in Kerala politics are shifting rapidly, these developments indicate a concerted push to position Chennithala for a “second innings.”
Open endorsements deepen factional lines
Former Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P.J. Kurien made a significant political statement at the UDF convention held in Thiruvalla, where Ramesh Chennithala was present on stage. “The UDF will win the election, and Ramesh will be the Chief Minister. He may say that the party will decide, but I have no doubt about it,” Kurien declared. Though Chennithala responded with a smile, the remark was widely interpreted as a clear signal to other power centres within the Congress.
Former KPCC president K. Sudhakaran also came out strongly in support of Chennithala. He described Chennithala as a seasoned leader with administrative experience and the most suitable candidate for the top post. Sudhakaran, who has announced his withdrawal from active Kerala politics, has nonetheless stirred the internal dynamics by backing Chennithala. His stance has put both the traditional ‘A’ group and the faction aligned with the current Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, on the defensive.
Chennithala, who entered politics as the youngest MLA from Haripad at the age of 26, now finds himself at a critical juncture in his political career. His supporters argue that his tenure as Opposition Leader during the previous Left government, marked by controversies such as the “kit politics” debate and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated his resilience and leadership. Chennithala himself has attributed the UDF’s previous electoral setback partly to the transfer of BJP votes to the Left.
Leadership question clouds UDF campaign
Traditionally, the Congress refrains from declaring its chief ministerial candidate ahead of elections. However, the open endorsements by senior leaders have raised questions about whether this is an attempt to challenge the leadership of V.D. Satheesan. Following the demise of Oommen Chandy, the internal balance within the ‘A’ group has undergone significant changes, and the emerging Sudhakaran–Chennithala alignment could trigger major shifts within the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) in the coming days. If the UDF comes to power, the contest between the Satheesan-led official faction and Chennithala’s supporters is expected to intensify further. As per party convention, the final decision on the Chief Minister will rest with the elected MLAs and the Congress high command. Notably, Chennithala has already been appointed Chairman of the Election Campaign Committee, underlining his continued influence within the party.
In the run-up to the elections, Chennithala’s outreach to influential community organisations, including the NSS and the Orthodox Church leadership, during the “Puthuyuga Yatra” led by Satheesan, has drawn considerable attention. His ability to engage with groups perceived as less aligned with Satheesan is seen as strengthening his prospects.
At the same time, internal surveys reportedly indicate that V.D. Satheesan remains the frontrunner for the chief ministerial post, further fuelling factional tensions. Resistance from younger leaders and the Satheesan camp is also likely to pose a significant challenge to Chennithala’s ambitions, setting the stage for a high-stakes power struggle within the Congress as the elections approach.
