Thiruvananthapuram: A post-election leadership tussle has emerged in Kerala following a decisive victory by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (Kerala) (UDF), which secured 102 seats in the Assembly. Despite the clear mandate, the coalition has been plunged into an internal deadlock over who should become Chief Minister.

At the centre of the dispute are three senior Congress leaders: VD Satheesan, KC Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala. All three are seen as contenders for the top post, with intense lobbying and factional pressure shaping the negotiations.

According to reports, Satheesan has taken a firm position that he is only willing to accept the Chief Minister’s post and nothing less. However, the Congress high command, including senior leadership around Rahul Gandhi, is believed to be leaning towards Venugopal, who is said to have the backing of a majority of newly elected MLAs.

Party sources suggest that around 43 of the 63 UDF MLAs have expressed support for Venugopal, strengthening his position within the legislature. At the same time, Satheesan continues to command significant backing, including from the influential Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which has publicly endorsed his claim.

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As part of an attempted compromise, the leadership is reportedly considering offering Satheesan a senior cabinet portfolio, while Chennithala could be positioned as Speaker of the Assembly. However, this formula has yet to gain consensus.

The Congress central leadership has also expressed displeasure over escalating pressure tactics from rival camps, including public demonstrations, posters and visible displays of support outside party offices in Thiruvananthapuram.

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With competing claims, divided support among legislators, and firm positions from key leaders, the UDF remains locked in a political stalemate over the formation of its new government in Kerala.