Senior Congress leaders are locked in a power struggle to determine who will serve as the next chief minister of Kerala.
The conflict follows a massive victory for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), which ended 10 years [2] of opposition rule. The outcome puts the alliance in control of the state government but has triggered a fierce internal battle over leadership.
K. C. Venugopal and V. D. Satheesan have emerged as the primary contenders for the post [1]. Both leaders are currently heading rival factions within the alliance, with each attempting to secure the support of elected members and grassroots workers [1].
Other potential candidates have also been mentioned in the leadership shuffle. Ramesh Chennithala and Shashi Tharoor are among the names circulating as possible contenders for the top position [1].
To resolve the deadlock, elected MLAs are expected to convene in Thiruvananthapuram for a formal Legislature Party meeting [1]. This meeting will serve as the venue where the party's elected representatives must decide which leader will be nominated as the chief ministerial candidate for the 2026 [1] term.
The UDF's return to power marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape. However, the current friction suggests that the transition to government may be delayed by these internal negotiations. The party must now balance the ambitions of its senior leaders against the need for a stable administration.
“The UDF alliance faces an internal power struggle following a decisive victory.”
The struggle for the chief minister's office highlights a recurring tension within the Congress party between regional leadership and central influence. Because the UDF has returned to power after a decade, the choice of leader will determine the party's policy direction and internal power dynamics for the next five years, potentially affecting the stability of the alliance if the rivalry between Venugopal and Satheesan remains unresolved.
