Kochi, 12 May (H.S.): Signs of internal unrest have begun surfacing within the Congress in Kerala over the ongoing tussle for the Chief Minister’s post, with supporters of Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan openly protesting against MLAs believed to be backing AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal for the top position.

Even as the Congress high command continues deliberations in Delhi without announcing a final decision on the Chief Ministerial candidate, resentment against the so-called “K.C. camp” has intensified across several constituencies. Protest demonstrations, warning posters and public confrontations targeting MLAs perceived to be loyal to Venugopal have started emerging in different parts of the state.

In Nadapuram constituency, newly elected MLA K.M. Abhijith faced protests from Congress workers while attending a private function. Videos circulating widely on social media show party workers questioning why certain leaders were supporting Venugopal instead of V.D. Satheesan, who is widely credited with spearheading the UDF’s strong electoral performance in the Assembly elections.

However, Abhijith denied allegations of any organised protest against him. He claimed that many of the videos portraying MLAs backing Venugopal were artificially generated using AI technology and said he had clarified the matter to local party workers.

A similar scene unfolded in Kunnathunad, where newly elected MLA V.P. Sajeendran was reportedly surrounded by Congress workers during a public programme. Protesters urged him to support Satheesan and expressed strong displeasure over attempts to project Venugopal as the next Chief Minister.

The strongest backlash was witnessed in Ranni, where newly elected MLA Pazhakulam Madhu, who had publicly extended support to Venugopal, was forced to scale down his reception programme amid poor turnout and protests. A planned press conference at the Pathanamthitta Press Club was also cancelled.

Meanwhile, posters warning Congress leaders against supporting Venugopal appeared in Vandoor constituency targeting senior leader A.P. Anilkumar, who is considered close to the K.C. camp. The posters, issued in the names of groups such as “Pachappada” and “Janashabdam”, also accused certain leaders of attempting to provoke the Indian Union Muslim League through statements favouring Congress leader Mathew Kuzhalnadan.

Sources in Delhi indicated that Venugopal currently enjoys the backing of around 47 MLAs as discussions over the leadership issue continue within the Congress high command.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman