47 Signatures of Power: Venugopal Takes Lead in Kerala CM Race

Senior Congress leader K C Venugopal has emerged as the frontrunner for the post of Chief Minister in Kerala after reportedly securing the backing of a majority of newly elected Congress MLAs. According to party sources, Venugopal has the support of 47 out of the 63 Congress legislators, marking a significant consolidation of internal backing amid an ongoing leadership discussion within the party.

The development comes after consultations held in Thiruvananthapuram between Congress MLAs and AICC observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken. The central observers have since returned to New Delhi and are expected to submit their report to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Party insiders indicate that a final decision on the Kerala Chief Ministerial candidate is likely to be taken over the weekend.

Within the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), several leaders have publicly and privately backed Venugopal’s candidature. KPCC president Sunny Joseph and multiple MLAs-elect, including Sandeep G Varier, Sajeev Joseph, T O Mohan and Usha Vijayan, are among those reported to have supported him. Venugopal’s growing support base is seen as a key factor strengthening his position in the ongoing internal discussions.

Also Read: Congress Considers KC Venugopal As Kerala Chief Minister After UDF Wins Majority

However, the leadership race also includes other prominent contenders. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has reportedly secured the backing of eight MLAs, while incumbent Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan is said to have support from six legislators. Both leaders met the central observers to present their case, although Venugopal himself did not participate in the direct interaction process.

The Congress Legislature Party has unanimously authorised party president Mallikarjun Kharge to take the final decision on the Chief Ministerial candidate. Sources suggest that the announcement could come within days, followed by a swift swearing-in ceremony. Parallel consultations are also underway with United Democratic Front (UDF) allies, including the Indian Union Muslim League and Kerala Congress (Joseph), which have expressed differing preferences among the contenders.

The leadership deliberations come in the backdrop of a strong electoral performance by the Congress-led UDF in Kerala, where the alliance significantly improved its position in the Assembly. With internal consensus still being shaped and alliance partners voicing varied opinions, the final decision is expected to be crucial in determining the next phase of governance in the state.

Also Read: High Command in Control: Kharge to Decide Kerala CM Amid Internal Rivalry