Published May 06, 2026 | 3:12 PM ⚊ Updated May 06, 2026 | 3:12 PM
Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik
Even as the Congress high command moves closer to a decision on Kerala’s next chief minister, senior AICC observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik are expected to arrive in the state late on Wednesday, 6 May.
Meanwhile, the official residence of VD Satheesan in Aluva has been witnessing unusually intense activity since Wednesday morning, with a visible police presence adding to the sense of a decisive moment. The Aluva SP visited the residence earlier in the day, and security has since been bolstered.
The political optics began building on Tuesday evening itself, when Satheesan returned to Ernakulam via South Railway Station to a grand reception by party workers and successful candidates.
He is set to lead a victory parade on Thursday evening to thank voters.
Amid this, TJ Vinodh, considered close to KC Venugopal, visited Satheesan’s residence, triggering speculation over shifting loyalties or backchannel messaging. The official explanation, however, was that he was making up for missing the reception at the railway station.
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In Indira Bhavan, camps aligned with Satheesan, Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala have begun canvassing MLA designates. Notably, Satheesan’s camp has urged the AICC to look beyond mere MLA numbers and factor in public sentiment while choosing the chief minister.
Within the party’s traditional ”A group” momentum is building post-victory, with leaders like Benny Behanan and PC Vishnunadh expected to deliberate on a consensus name.
If the decision is made based purely on legislative support, the advantage may tilt towards Venugopal.
However, observers are likely to weigh multiple factors. Wasnik, who has strong working relationships with both Chennithala and Venugopal, could play a pivotal role in shaping the final recommendation.
The consultation process is also expected to include senior leaders like AK Antony.
Even 48 hours after the results, the leadership question remains unresolved, with Satheesan, Venugopal and Chennithala all in contention. Satheesan’s camp highlights his advantage as Leader of the Opposition — historically a stepping stone to the post of chief minister in Kerala, as well as his perceived public appeal and backing from allies like the IUML.
However, his current support base is relatively weak, though it is reportedly improving as more soon-to-be-sworn-in legislators reassess the political mood and reach out to him.
Meanwhile, Chennithala has reached New Delhi and met Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. While his camp maintains the visit was related to Maharashtra DCC reorganisation, others see it as significant given the ongoing deliberations on the next chief minister.
After Thursday’s victory parade, Satheesan is expected to travel to Thiruvananthapuram. His camp has also placed a key procedural demand before the AICC—that observers meet MLAs individually and that Deepa Dasmunsi not be present during those interactions!
