Venugopal Leads Kerala CM Race

AICC General Secretary and Lok Sabha MP KC Venugopal, considered a close associate of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, is reportedly leading the race for the Kerala Chief Minister post. Sources said that a majority of Congress MLAs supported him during the Congress Legislature Party meeting held in Thiruvananthapuram under the supervision of party observers. The observers have submitted their report to the party high command, and if discussions proceed smoothly, Venugopal may take oath as Chief Minister on May 11.

However, intense internal competition continues within the Congress party over the top post. Senior leaders VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala are also in the race for Chief Minister. Supporters of Satheesan have staged protests across the state, while Venugopal’s supporters are openly campaigning in his favour. Alliance partners are also believed to be backing Satheesan. Meanwhile, the name of K Karunakaran’s son has emerged as a possible compromise candidate. A controversy has also erupted over an incident involving party leaders at the Kerala PCC office.