Thiruvananthapuram: A majority of Congress MLAs in Kerala are learnt to have backed AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal in the discussions over the state’s next Chief Minister, while Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan is said to be holding firm on his position amid the leadership talks.

AICC observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken met with Congress MLAs individually to gather their views on the leadership question. According to reports, 46 of the newly elected 63 Congress MLAs have expressed support for K.C. Venugopal.

Sources indicate that around 10 MLAs each are believed to be backing senior leaders Ramesh Chennithala and VD Satheesan. However, the Satheesan camp remains confident of eventually securing the support of nearly 35 MLAs.

The observers have also sought the opinions of senior party leaders. Former KPCC president K. Sudhakaran is learnt to have formally conveyed his support for Venugopal in writing. At the same time, some senior leaders have argued that Ramesh Chennithala should be considered on the basis of seniority.

Among the three key contenders — Chennithala, Satheesan and Venugopal — Chennithala is regarded as the most senior leader, a factor seen as working in his favour. However, his prospects are expected to depend largely on the level of support he commands among MLAs.

Meanwhile, the Satheesan camp is said to be banking on support from sections backing both Venugopal and Chennithala. Strong backing from alliance partners is also viewed as a factor favouring Satheesan.

The Congress high command is expected to prioritise majority support among MLAs while choosing the Chief Minister, following a pattern adopted earlier in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Telangana.

Supporters of Satheesan have also intensified campaigns in public spaces and on social media, projecting him as the preferred choice for the Chief Minister’s post. Reports suggest that if Venugopal is chosen, Satheesan may refuse to accept any position, including a ministerial berth, as a mark of protest. Party leaders are said to be concerned that sidelining Satheesan could trigger discontent among Congress workers and the public.

Some leaders have also pointed to past controversies, such as the denial of candidature to veteran CPM leader VS Achuthanandan, arguing that leadership decisions can generate strong public reactions.

Another concern being discussed within the party is that if Venugopal becomes Chief Minister, a by-election would have to be held within six months, as he is currently not an MLA. Political observers believe a perception that Satheesan was ignored could complicate the bypoll battle. In addition, a by-election may also become necessary in the Alappuzha Lok Sabha constituency, creating the possibility of two simultaneous by-elections.

If elevated as Chief Minister, Venugopal is likely to contest from either Alappuzha or Irikkur Assembly constituency, according to sources.

Meanwhile, if KPCC president Sunny Joseph is inducted into the Cabinet, senior Congress leader Benny Behanan is considered a frontrunner to head the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee. If Roji M. John is not accommodated in the ministry, his name too may come under consideration for the post.

The Congress high command is expected to take a final call on the Chief Minister by Sunday. Ahead of the decision, KPCC president Sunny Joseph, Opposition leader VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and UDF convener Adoor Prakash are likely to hold discussions with the party leadership in Delhi, sources added.