Thiruvanathapuram: Ehiruvanathapuram:ress leaders continue to speak publicly about unity and progress after the United Democratic Front’s victory in the Kerala Assembly election, intense internal discussions and factional activities are continuing inside the party over the selection of the next Chief Minister.
The Congress high command in New Delhi is yet to make a final decision on who will lead the new government in Kerala. While party leaders have tried to project an image of calm and unity, different groups within the Kerala Congress are actively campaigning in support of their preferred leaders.
The developments have created growing political interest across the state as leaders loyal to V. D. Satheesan, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president K. Sudhakaran, and senior Congress leader K. C. Venugopal continue their efforts to influence the final decision. Supporters of each camp are reportedly engaging in discussions both inside the party and through social media platforms.
According to political reports, the internal competition has become so intense that even social media pages linked to senior national Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, are facing pressure from rival groups attempting to shape public opinion in favour of their candidates. Political observers say online campaigns have now become an important part of internal party politics, especially during leadership selection processes.
Supporters of different leaders are using Facebook posts, WhatsApp campaigns, online discussions, and digital messaging to promote their views. Some party workers believe these online campaigns are aimed at showing the popularity and acceptability of certain leaders before the Congress high command announces its final decision.
The leadership question has gained importance because the Congress led alliance is preparing to return to power in Kerala after several years in opposition. Party workers and supporters are now closely watching every development related to the chief ministerial race.
V. D. Satheesan is widely seen as one of the strongest contenders for the post because of his role as Opposition leader and his public image during the previous government’s tenure. At the same time, experienced leaders within the party are also believed to have strong support among organisational workers and senior Congress members.
Political analysts say the Congress leadership in Delhi is trying to avoid open factional clashes that could affect the image of the new government even before it takes office. Senior leaders are reportedly working to build consensus among various groups within the party.
The Congress high command is expected to hold further discussions with Kerala leaders before making the final announcement. Rahul Gandhi and other national leaders are likely to play a key role in the decision making process.
Meanwhile, ordinary Congress workers in Kerala are expressing hope that the leadership issue will be resolved smoothly and quickly. Many believe the party must focus on governance and election promises rather than prolonged internal competition.
Observers also note that factional politics has historically been a major challenge for the Kerala Congress. While public statements from leaders continue to emphasise unity, the current developments show that internal power centres remain highly active.
Despite the ongoing competition, senior Congress leaders have repeatedly stated that the final decision of the high command will be accepted by everyone in the party. The official announcement regarding the next Chief Minister of Kerala is expected in the coming days as discussions continue in New Delhi.