Kochi, 28 April (H.S): Amid simmering tensions within the Indian National Congress over leadership and the chief ministerial face in Kerala, fresh signs of internal discord emerged in Kochi on Tuesday with the appearance of controversial flex boards targeting Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan.

The posters, which surfaced outside the Ernakulam District Congress Committee (DCC) office, were put up in the name of an outfit calling itself the “Indian National Congress Family.” Installed prominently opposite the Maharaja’s College Ground, the boards carried sharp criticism of Satheesan, accusing him of nurturing “unrealistic ambitions” of becoming Kerala’s Chief Minister.

The messaging on the flex boards alleged that Satheesan was relying on public relations campaigns to sideline senior leaders, including former state Congress president Ramesh Chennithala. It claimed that such attempts would not succeed and asserted that the party’s high command alone would decide the chief ministerial candidate.

The posters also called for an end to what they described as Satheesan’s “PR-driven politics,” reflecting growing factional unease within the party ranks. Apart from the DCC office premises, similar boards were reportedly spotted near the Kalamassery Science Park, indicating a coordinated effort.

The development comes at a time when the Congress leadership has officially discouraged any public discussion regarding the chief ministerial post, in an apparent bid to maintain unity ahead of crucial political developments in the state.

While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the posters, their appearance underscores the persistent factionalism within the party’s Kerala unit, even as it seeks to project cohesion in the run-up to future electoral battles.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman