Published May 12, 2026 | 10:49 PM ⚊ Updated May 12, 2026 | 10:49 PM
IUML
Even after securing a comfortable mandate of 102 seats, the UDF appears to still be in search of its most elusive post-election achievement: deciding who gets to be Chief Minister.
While one set of states that went to the polls alongside Kerala has already installed governments and begun policy roll-outs with administrative speed, Kerala’s opposition alliance seems stuck in a longer, more complex exercise: internal consultation without conclusion.
Nine days after the election results, the Congress leadership is yet to arrive at a final decision on the Chief Ministerial face. What was expected to be a straightforward post-victory transition has instead turned into a visible power struggle, with no consensus emerging among key stakeholders.
The delay has not only slowed political clarity but has also begun to generate discomfort within the alliance itself.
Amid this uncertainty, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has called an urgent meeting scheduled for Wednesday at Panakkad. The party, which remains a crucial pillar of the UDF, has reportedly grown uneasy over the delay.
At the same time, the IUML has taken a carefully balanced position.
While it is not opposing the possibility of Ramesh Chennithala emerging as a consensus candidate, it is also preparing to deliberate on its stance if the high command finalises KC Venugopal for the top post. The internal message, however, is becoming increasingly clear: delay is turning politically costly.
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Within the League itself, unease is reportedly growing. Some MLAs and senior leaders have expressed frustration over the lack of direction from the Congress leadership. They warn that continued indecision could have serious political consequences and argue that the concerns of both party workers and voters cannot be ignored.
Adding another layer to the internal complexity, reports suggest that Priyanka Gandhi has been involved in discussions related to the Chief Ministerial selection, given her political association with Wayanad and her perceived understanding of both Congress and IUML dynamics. However, no clarity has emerged from these consultations either.
Meanwhile, internal tensions within the Congress are also becoming visible in public. Shafi Parambil MP has faced strong criticism from some Congress cyber supporters amid the ongoing leadership dispute after allegations surfaced that he supports KC Venugopal in the Chief Ministerial race.
Some supporters have argued that sidelining VD Satheesan could politically hurt the alliance. Others view the issue as a clash between grassroots sentiment and the preferences of the central leadership.
At the same time, even some IUML workers have reportedly expressed concern about the situation within the Congress. They have warned that ignoring public opinion could trigger a backlash later, especially if a by-election takes place.
