Kerala Congress CM race heats up: Satheesan, Chennithala begin early lobbying

With the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections having concluded on April 9 and the counting of votes still over two weeks away, a race for the potential Chief Minister’s post has erupted within the Congress party.

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala have begun proactive lobbying, reaching out to sitting MLAs and newly fielded candidates who contested the polls to secure support.

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Both Satheesan and Chennithala are shoring up support through a series of private phone calls and meetings. The two leaders are highlighting their roles in coordinating the election campaign and ensuring the UDF’s performance, while also claiming to have mobilised various social groups in favour of the alliance.

As the current Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan is seen as a strong contender. Internal surveys have previously indicated that he is a preferred choice, though he faces pressure from Chennithala’s camp.

Both camps have begun consolidating support among potential party MLAs to strengthen their claims if the UDF wins. Satheesan, who has been the face of the opposition’s attack against the LDF government, is being projected by his supporters as a strong parliamentary performer.

Ramesh Chennithala, a former Leader of the Opposition and former KPCC president with deep organisational roots, remains a formidable contender with significant influence across party factions.

Former KPCC president K. Sudhakaran, MP, has openly stated that he wants Chennithala to become Chief Minister if the UDF comes to power. Senior Congress leader P.J. Kurien has also publicly said that Chennithala would assume the top post if the UDF secures a majority in the Assembly.

Meanwhile, discussions around AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal’s potential return to state politics have gained momentum. KPCC president Sunny Joseph has not ruled out the possibility of Venugopal becoming Chief Minister if the UDF wins the 2026 Assembly elections, while noting that the final decision rests with the party high command.

Sources within the Congress indicate that Venugopal is currently in a wait-and-watch mode regarding the election outcome. Many candidates who contested the polls are reportedly close to him. Although he did not contest the election, it would not prevent him from becoming Chief Minister. Both the Satheesan and Chennithala camps are aware of this possibility.

At present, Satheesan and Chennithala remain the principal contenders for the Chief Minister’s post. However, both camps are reportedly united in resisting any last-minute, high-level entry by Venugopal.