Kochi (Kerala): On Thursday, supporters of V D Satheesan took to the streets in Nettoor, Kochi, to demand that he be appointed the next Chief Minister of Kerala.

The protest unfolded as AICC observers convened a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting in Thiruvananthapuram. The observers are currently holding one-on-one consultations with the 63 newly elected Congress MLAs to determine who should lead the state government.

Nettoor is the home turf of Satheesan, who played a pivotal role in the UDF campaign. The front secured a decisive victory in the Assembly elections, winning 102 seats. During the demonstration, supporters brandished a large flex board bearing the clear message, "Whoever led the election battle should rule the state."

The leadership race has become a point of contention, with reports suggesting a faction of MLAs is backing MP K C Venugopal for the top post, despite him not having contested the Assembly polls. Along with Venugopal and Satheesan, veteran leader Ramesh Chennithala is also under consideration.

While the primary demonstration took place in Kochi, Satheesan’s supporters have announced plans for similar rallies across Kerala. Satheesan recently retained his seat from the North Paravoor constituency in Ernakulam district.

PTI