Thiruvananthapuram: Congress workers openly defied the party leadership and took to the streets in protest against the Congress high command over the Chief Ministerial selection in Keralam. In several places, agitating workers raised slogans, tore down and destroyed flex boards carrying the image of AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, and accused the high command of attempting to impose Venugopal as Chief Minister. Despite a strict circular issued by the KPCC banning public demonstrations over the leadership issue, protests intensified across the state in support of VD Satheesan.
The Congress leadership found itself in an embarrassing crisis as party workers organised demonstrations and erected flex boards backing Satheesan in districts including Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Malappuram, and Kozhikode. Supporters marched through the streets raising slogans such as “Let the one who led the army rule the state” and “Let the leader who understood the people lead Keralam.” Demonstrators told the media that if KC Venugopal resigns from his MP post and assumes the Chief Minister’s office, Congress workers themselves would ensure his defeat in any constituency in the state during the subsequent by-election. Protest demonstrations were also staged against the perceived interference of the Congress high command in the state’s leadership decision. Meanwhile, flex boards criticising K. C. Venugopal were displayed near the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi as a sign of dissent.
Satheesan appeals for restraint
As the internal power struggle spilled onto the streets, VD Satheesan himself intervened and appealed to party workers to refrain from protests and provocative flex campaigns. In a Facebook post, he urged Congress activists not to engage in actions that could insult the party or the UDF alliance during a moment that should be dedicated to celebrating the electoral victory. Satheesan reminded workers that factional displays should be avoided and said everyone must wait for the final decision of the AICC leadership.
Following his intervention, KPCC President Sunny Joseph warned that strict disciplinary action would be taken against anyone conducting public demonstrations or making statements in support of any leader. The official position of the party remains that organisational discipline must be maintained until the high command announces its final decision.
MLA support leak triggers fresh controversy
The political turmoil deepened after details from the meeting between AICC observers and Congress MLAs regarding the Chief Minister’s appointment were leaked to the media. A report published by a national newspaper carried images of documents claiming that 47 out of the 63 Congress MLAs had backed KC Venugopal for the Chief Minister’s post.
According to the reports, leaders including KPCC president Sunny Joseph, T. Siddique, and Sandeep Warrier had supported Venugopal’s candidature during consultations. However, Sunny Joseph later denied the authenticity of the leaked documents and clarified that he had only suggested that the leadership issue be resolved through consensus. He also stated that an official announcement would be made soon.
Amid the mounting tensions and political deadlock, the Congress high command has urgently summoned V. D. Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala to Delhi. AICC General Secretary Deepa Dasmunsi has reportedly instructed both leaders to reach the national capital tonight. The move comes at a crucial moment when reports suggest that K. C. Venugopal enjoys majority backing among Congress MLAs. The final decision on Keralam’s next Chief Minister can be expected only after consultations with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi.
