After days of intense lobbying, internal rivalry and public pressure, the Congress finally chose VD Satheesan, exposing deep factional cracks within Kerala’s leadership battle

The Congress party faced major challenges within its ranks while choosing Kerala’s Chief Minister. The process lasted 11 days and proved crucial in resolving disagreements among various party factions, underscoring the importance of internal consensus in maintaining party unity.

VD was ultimately chosen despite stiff competition from KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi reportedly took public sentiment into account while making their decision. Internal tensions surfaced throughout the selection process, but Venugopal eventually backed Satheesan’s appointment in what was seen as a move in the larger interests of the party. The Congress high command itself appeared divided. Sonia Gandhi reportedly supported Chennithala, Rahul Gandhi favoured Venugopal, while Priyanka Gandhi backed Satheesan. These differing preferences revealed internal conflicts within the party leadership. At the same time, the Congress also faced pressure from its ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), as well as from public opinion, both of which influenced the Gandhi family’s political calculations.

Disagreements between Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi became visible through posters displayed outside Congress offices and Priyanka Gandhi’s Wayanad office. One poster read: “Mr Rahul, KC may be your bag bearer, but the people of Kerala will never forgive you,”........

© The Pioneer