Kochi, 03 May (H.S.):With the Kerala Assembly election results just hours away, flex banners backing Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan have once again surfaced across multiple districts, highlighting the intensifying leadership tussle within the Congress.

In Ernakulam district, a prominent flex board was put up in Thrikkakara carrying the slogan, “Let the one who led the battle lead the state,” projecting Satheesan as a frontrunner for the chief minister’s post. Similar banners appeared in Pathanamthitta, where he was described as the “Chief Minister-designate” and praised as a strong and decisive leader. The flex, installed near the district stadium, also conveyed that “Kerala’s future is safe in these hands,” along with greetings from the district.

In Kannur, fresh banners were spotted in Mattannur under the name of local Congress workers, echoing the same call for Satheesan to lead the state. These developments follow similar displays in Sreekandapuram a day earlier, suggesting a continued and coordinated show of support from different regions.

The reappearance of such banners comes at a politically crucial juncture, as counting is set to begin and uncertainty remains over the final outcome. Within the Congress-led UDF, internal manoeuvring over the chief ministerial post has gathered momentum.

While Satheesan’s camp is believed to be encouraged by perceived support from the Indian Union Muslim League, leaders aligned with K. C. Venugopal and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala are understood to be cautious about any premature projections.

As the results approach, efforts to rally support from allies and within party ranks continue, reflecting the high-stakes contest for leadership in Kerala’s Congress.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman