Most of the 21 newly elected Congress MLAs from the Malabar region seem to have rallied behind All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary (Organization) KC Venugopal, MP, for the post of Kerala Chief Minister.
Of the five elected MLAs from Kozhikode, four each from Malappuram and Palakkad, three each from Kannur and Wayanad and two from Kasaragod, almost all are said to be supporting Mr. Venugopal. They reportedly suggested his name to AICC observers during face-to-face meetings held the next day. Few learned that they rallied behind Ramesh Chennithala and VD Satheesan for the top post. The support of the majority bloc has emerged as a strong lobby for Mr. Venugopal in the three-round contest for the post of chief minister.
However, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second largest component of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) with 22 seats, including 21 in Malabar alone, has reportedly thrown its weight behind Mr Satheesan.
Although the IUML has not publicly endorsed any candidate for the post of Chief Minister, its leadership has repeatedly maintained that the decision rests with the Congress and will be shaped by “popular sentiments”.
On Thursday, IUML National General Secretary PK Kunhalikutty and other senior leaders met the AICC observers. Mr. Kunhalikutty later told reporters that the Muslim League’s position had been communicated to observers, but declined to divulge further details.
Before the election results were announced on May 4, Mr. Kunhalikutty stressed that the decision regarding the chief minister rested with the Congress and would be guided by “popular sentiments”. IUML state president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal also remarked that the Congress high command will take a call keeping in mind the “feelings of the people”.
Published – May 8, 2026 7:21 PM IST
