Thiruvananthapuram, April 16 (NationPress) As the vote counting approaches, the Congress party in Kerala finds itself ensnared in an all-too-familiar issue: internal discord. Following the completion of polling for the 140-member Assembly on April 9, with results expected on May 4, the rising optimism surrounding a potential United Democratic Front (UDF) victory has ignited a fervent discussion on who will take the helm as the next Chief Minister.

What started as whispers within the party has now erupted into a public spectacle.

Social media platforms are flooded with campaigns endorsing key figures, while news channels have amplified this narrative, transforming it into a dramatic political showdown.

Congress activists have also engaged actively, vocally supporting their preferred candidates and fiercely promoting competing claims.

At the heart of this debate are prominent leaders such as V.D. Satheesan, K.C. Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala, each championed by different factions within the party.

Venugopal’s supporters emphasize his close relationship with Rahul Gandhi and his role in formulating national strategies, presenting him as a unifying figure.

In contrast, Satheesan is being touted as the representative of a younger, more dynamic leadership, credited with invigorating the UDF’s challenge against the Left administration.

Meanwhile, Chennithala’s backers argue that his seniority and experience make him the logical choice should the party regain power.

This open contestation has, however, sparked concerns within the party ranks.

Throughout the campaign, Congress had strategically refrained from naming a Chief Ministerial candidate, asserting that such a decision would be made by the high command.

The aim was to avert factionalism that could jeopardize electoral success.

Yet, that caution seems to have dissipated rapidly post-election.

Reports indicate that party leadership in Delhi is displeased with the public exposure of these internal disagreements.

The high command has reiterated that established protocols—not social media theatrics or public displays—will dictate the ultimate decision.

There are also worries that the ongoing contention may confuse voters and undermine the message of unity that the UDF aimed to convey during the campaign.

Thus, the upcoming weeks are as much about managing internal aspirations as they are about anticipating the electoral outcome.

If the Congress-led coalition secures victory, leadership will need to rapidly address factional pressures and present a consolidated front.

Currently, the race for Kerala’s highest office has commenced even before the votes are tallied, unfolding in the public eye.

K. Muraleedharan, the son of four-time Congress Chief Minister K. Karunakaran, who has witnessed the party’s past divisions closely, expressed his views candidly: “It’s unjust to those who supported the UDF to witness these unnecessary discussions; all should maintain calm,” he stated on Thursday morning.

Sunny Joseph, the State Congress president, remarked on Thursday that there is a recognized procedure within the party that initiates once a Chief Minister is being selected. “What we are observing is that this discourse is being fueled by some using fake social media accounts. Moreover, the legislators will eventually share their opinions on this matter in the appropriate forum, and until then, no one should go overboard,” Joseph added.