Kerala Congress CM Race Turns Messy: Venugopal Camp MLAs Gheraoed By Satheesan Supporters

Last Updated:May 13, 2026, 16:53 IST

The delay has now spilt onto the streets, with local cadres and supporters launching aggressive protests against Venugopal, while backing V D Satheesan for the CM post.

A week after the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) secured a landslide victory in the Kerala Assembly elections, the party leadership remains in a deadlock over its next Chief Minister.

The delay has now spilt onto the streets, with local cadres and supporters launching aggressive protests against AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal, while backing V D Satheesan for the top post.

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In several constituencies, local Congress workers have reportedly begun intercepting the vehicles of newly elected MLAs, who have supported Venugopal over Satheesan for the chief ministerial position. The cadres are demanding to know why the legislators aren’t backing Satheesan, who they view as the architect of the UDF’s 102-seat victory.

Newly elected MLA K.M. Abhijith was surrounded by a group of supporters at a wedding venue. When questioned on his allegiance, Abhijith was seen assuring the crowd that the “high command will make the right decision" to de-escalate the tension.

Senior Congress MP Benny Behanan faced similar heat last night when supporters surrounded him in Ernakulam, demanding he clarify his stand on the leadership tussle.

Also Read | Kerala’s CM Deadlock Is Peak Congress — Ask Rajasthan, Karnataka & MP

‘Wayanad Will Be Next Amethi’

The internal friction took a sharp turn today as posters appeared outside the District Congress Committee office in Wayanad, a bastion for the Gandhi family. The posters warned the central leadership that any attempt to “impose" Venugopal would have electoral consequences.

One poster read: “Mr. Rahul and Priyanka, forget Wayanad. You won’t win again from here," while another warned that “Wayanad will be the next Amethi" if the High Command backs Venugopal. The text further disparaged Venugopal, calling him a “bag carrier" for the Gandhis and asserting that “Kerala will never forgive this blunder."

Also Read | Satheesan, Venugopal, Chennithala: Congress’ Musical Chairs In Kerala Has Just One Chair

High-Stakes Meeting in Delhi

As the ground situation in Kerala grows volatile, the theatre of decision-making has shifted to New Delhi. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is scheduled to meet Rahul Gandhi today to finalise the name.

While Venugopal reportedly holds the support of a majority of the UDF MLAs, Satheesan enjoys immense popularity among the rank and file and key allies like the IUML. Senior leaders, including former KPCC presidents, have been summoned to the national capital to provide feedback.

With the High Command miffed by the public display of dissent, a formal announcement is expected late Wednesday to prevent a total breakdown of party discipline in the state.

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