Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Although election results are still three weeks away, the Congress has already been drawn into a “musical chair game” amid assumptions of a possible return to power.

Supporters of different leaders have taken to social media to back their respective factions. Despite a strict directive from the high command (Congress) against such discussions, intermittent remarks by leaders in media interactions have kept the speculation alive.

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The debate gained momentum after DCC president Mohammed Shiyas expressed a preference for the Chief Minister to be from Ernakulam. The KPCC president’s response to a question on whether a non-MLA could become Chief Minister further added to the speculation.

Senior leaders V D Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and K C Venugopal have avoided direct comments, maintaining that the party follows an established mechanism for such decisions.

In earlier periods under leaders such as K Karunakaran, A K Antony and Oommen Chandy, leadership clarity was generally expected even before formal announcements. The present situation, however, is less defined. While candidate selection was not strictly group-based this time, factional bargaining is considered less likely. Nevertheless, the high command is expected to consult MLAs before taking a final call.

Three possibilities

  1. V D Satheesan, who has indicated he would step away from politics if the UDF fails to return to power, is seen as a natural contender for the Chief Minister post. A decisive victory would also be viewed as an endorsement of his leadership.
  2. Former Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala remains a strong contender. His seniority is a key advantage, and in the event of a narrow majority, his conciliatory approach could be considered useful.
  3. AICC general secretary K C Venugopal is also being discussed. With a possible organisational reshuffle at the national level, the high command may consider deploying him to the state. There is precedent in both Congress and CPM for appointing non-MLAs as Chief Ministers.