Who will be next Kerala CM? 80% of MLAs have named KC Venugopal as their preferred choice

KOCHI/NEW DELHI: The selection of the state chief minister shifted to the national capital on Friday, with key contenders V D Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala, along with KPCC president Sunny Joseph, reaching there after being summoned by the party leadership.The state meanwhile witnessed more demonstrations in support of Satheesan, even as insiders described the race as a toss-up between “intra-party support” and “public sentiment” favouring the two main aspirants.Sources said Satheesan, Ramesh and Venugopal, besides Joseph, would hold talks with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. They said a decision would be taken by Sunday.AICC observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik — who held a meeting with party legislators on Thursday — submitted their report to Kharge Friday. MP Shashi Tharoor also met Kharge and shared his feedback on the leadership issue as well as on the political situation in the state.According to sources, over 80% of the MLAs have named Venugopal as their preferred choice for the top post, giving an edge to the AICC general secretary.However, they said the party would also have to factor in “public sentiment” about the contenders before taking a final decision.In that regard, Satheesan is seen to enjoy strong public backing, with many viewing him as the bulwark who steered the Congress-led UDF against the LDF govt over the past five years.Besides, Congress will also have to factor in that Venugopal as CM will result in two bypolls — the parliamentary seat he would vacate and assembly seat he would contest.Amid the uncertainty, another political formula is also being actively discussed within Congress circles. Sources said there are indications that despite commanding majority support in the CLP (Congress legislature party), Venugopal could step aside in favour of Ramesh, citing his experience. The move is reportedly being explored by the Venugopal and Ramesh camps in an apparent bid to prevent Satheesan from consolidating support for the top post. They believe that Satheesan will be forced to accept this.Amid pro-Satheesan demonstrations intensifying across the state, the KPCC president underlined the importance of legislative support in the decisionmaking process. Joseph said the backing of MLAs carried greater significance than other factors and stressed the need for consensus among senior leaders.He also urged party leaders and workers to refrain from public campaigns and shows of strength in support of individual contenders. He said the AICC had directed the state leadership to initiate strict disciplinary action against those violating party directives. Satheesan also urged restraint in a social media post.The AICC observers are also understood to have informed the high command that the political situation in the state remains sensitive and a quick decision has to be taken. They also pitched for factoring in the allies’ views.Meanwhile, questions have arisen over whether Rahul Gandhi can spare Venugopal from the post of AICC general secretary (organisation), a role in which he has, over the past few years, emerged as Rahul’s key pointsperson for party affairs. Besides overseeing organisational matters, he also manages the Congress’s floor coordination in Parliament and liaises with INDIA bloc allies.Venugopal’s importance is further underlined by the fact that he chairs the influential Public Accounts Committee — a position usually held by the opposition leader.The Congress brass will also seek to convince the contenders to accept the final choice, as it does not want any dissonance among disappointed leaders to dampen the euphoria of UDF’s massive victory.