Thiruvananthapuram/Kochi: Eight days ahead of the announcement of the Assembly election results, the Congress in Keralam has plunged into an intense internal contest over the Chief Minister’s post. The campaign has largely shifted to social media platforms, where competing narratives are being actively pushed by supporters of different leaders. At the same time, strong resentment was voiced at the Muslim League Malappuram district committee meeting over what it described as an untimely debate on the Chief Ministership.
Discussions and online campaigns have prominently highlighted the political journeys, struggles, and alleged sidelining of senior leaders such as former opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, current opposition leader VD Satheesan, and AICC general Secratary KC Venugopal. Although none of these leaders have officially commented on the issue, the social media campaigns backing them have continued without pause.
Social media campaigns intensify
Several videos focusing on the early political activism of Ramesh Chennithala have been widely circulated. These videos detail his role in student organisation movements and his long political journey. In addition, a podcast series titled ‘Keralam Yatra’ has been released, aiming to present a vision for the comprehensive development of the state. One segment of the podcast focuses on “Kubera Operation,” an initiative launched during his tenure as Home Minister. Through this platform, Chennithala’s supporters are presenting his perspectives and proposed solutions on key issues affecting Keralam, including the spread of drugs, the Vizhinjam port project, and challenges in the agricultural sector.
Meanwhile, supporters of K. C. Venugopal have also been highly active online. A documentary is reportedly being prepared, highlighting his struggles during his student organisation days, instances of police repression, and his contributions in parliamentary politics. Social media activity has also picked up in favour of V. D. Satheesan. A flex board carrying the message, “Congratulations to the appointed Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan,” appeared in Parappuram in Malappuram district. The flex, put up under the banner of ‘Parappuram Kotaayma’, has further intensified the ongoing debate.
Leadership responds amid growing controversy
As the internal debate over the Chief Minister’s post intensified following the Assembly elections, Ramesh Chennithala stepped forward to clarify his political legacy. Speaking in Kochi after receiving the PK Deaver Award, he stated that he was not someone who rose to prominence overnight. He emphasised that his political career was built through years of hard work and grassroots engagement.
Chennithala remarked that in the current era, writing on social media could quickly elevate someone to leadership status, but he belonged to a generation that rose through sustained organisational work. He recalled travelling on bicycles to form KSU units and spoke about the challenges he faced during his early political career, including his tenure as KSU Treasurer. Former KPCC president V. M. Sudheeran also came out in support of Chennithala, praising his administrative record. Sudheeran said that Chennithala had performed exceptionally well as Home Minister and Leader of the Opposition, and added that he still had significant contributions to make in both state and national politics.
Amid concerns that the ongoing Chief Ministerial discussions were damaging the image of the party and the United Democratic Front (UDF), KPCC President Sunny Joseph issued strict instructions to party members. He directed that no public discussions regarding the Chief Minister’s post should be conducted through the media or social media platforms, warning that strict disciplinary action would be taken against violators.
The decision by the KPCC leadership came following pressure from alliance partners, including the Muslim League, which publicly expressed its dissatisfaction. There was also criticism over the delay in intervention by the AICC leadership.
The developments come against the backdrop of multiple flex boards and public displays supporting VD Satheesan in districts such as Kannur, Malappuram, and Ernakulam. However, Chennithala’s recent remarks have once again opened the door for renewed
Infight within Congress circles, indicating that the leadership question remains far from settled even as the state awaits the election results.
