Tensions Rise in Kerala Congress Over Chief Ministerial Candidate
Tensions are escalating within the Kerala Congress as speculation surrounds K.C. Venugopal's potential candidacy for Chief Minister. Posters targeting Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi have emerged in Wayanad, warning of dire consequences if Venugopal is supported. The party's recent electoral victory has quickly turned into a struggle for leadership, with three main contenders in the spotlight. Rahul Gandhi's recent meetings with former KPCC presidents aim to address the growing unrest and finalize the candidate selection. As discussions continue, the future leadership of the Congress in Kerala remains uncertain.
| May 13, 2026, 13:47 IST
Political Unrest in Wayanad
As speculation mounts regarding the potential candidacy of AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal for the next Chief Minister of Kerala, posters targeting senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have appeared in Wayanad. These posters, placed near the Wayanad District Congress Committee office, issue a warning that if the Congress high command backs Venugopal, Wayanad could become the next Amethi.
Some of the messages directly criticized Rahul and Priyanka, stating that Kerala would not forgive their foolish decisions. The posters warned the Gandhi siblings to remember Wayanad, claiming they would not win in this constituency again. Additionally, Venugopal faced criticism, being labeled merely as Rahul's assistant, with threats of intensified protests if party leadership supports him.
This unrest reflects growing dissatisfaction within certain factions of the party as consultations continue in the national capital. The Congress-led UDF made a historic comeback by winning 102 out of 140 assembly seats, limiting the Left Democratic Front to just 35 seats. However, this victory quickly turned into internal strife as supporters of key leaders intensified their claims for the Chief Minister position.
Currently, three prominent names are being discussed for the Chief Minister role: V.D. Satheesan, K.C. Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala. This situation encapsulates the various elements of the Congress power struggle—organizational strength versus legislative leadership, generational change versus experience, and the influence of Delhi versus the priorities of the state unit.
Amidst this intense tug-of-war, Rahul Gandhi met with former presidents of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) in Delhi on Tuesday to gather their insights and help resolve the long-standing uncertainty. Sources indicate that Kerala leaders summoned to Delhi expressed their views on selecting the Chief Ministerial candidate during crucial discussions, with Venugopal, Satheesan, and Chennithala being prominently mentioned as the high command continues its deliberations.