Who Will Be Kerala’s Next CM? VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and KC Venugopal in Contention
Early trends in Kerala show the Congress-led UDF on course to form the next government, shifting focus to the chief ministerial race. Senior leaders V D Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and K C Venugopal have emerged as key contenders, reflecting both state-level leadership dynamics and the growing role of the party high command.
Early counting trends in the Kerala Assembly elections indicate that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is on track to return to power. If the numbers hold, the alliance is likely to form the next government, shifting immediate attention to the question of leadership.
As of 11:20 am on the day of counting of votes for Kerala election 2026, the Indian National Congress (INC), colloquially known as Congress, is leading on 58 seats. If all goes well for Congress in Kerala and the numbers stick, they will form the government in the state. With this development, the contest for the chief minister’s post has intensified within the Congress, with three senior leaders, VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and KC Venugopal, emerging as the principal contenders. Congress’ VD Satheesan Ahead in Paravur Seat, Margin Crosses 1,600 Votes.
Who Will Congress Pick As Its CM Face?
VD Satheesan: Opposition Face
VD Satheesan has served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly and has been a prominent face of the UDF over the past five years. He led the alliance’s campaign against the state government and is widely seen as having strong public visibility.
Supporters view him as a natural choice for the chief minister’s post, citing his consistent role in legislative debates and organisational leadership within the state unit. Kerala Election Result 2026 Live News Updates: Congress-Led UDF Crosses Majority Mark in Trends.
Ramesh Chennithala: Senior Leader with Experience
Chennithala is one of the most senior Congress leaders in Kerala and previously served as the party’s chief ministerial candidate in the 2021 Assembly elections. He has held key organisational and legislative roles over the years.
Known for his long association with the party leadership at the national level, Chennithala brings experience and seniority to the contest, making him a strong contender.
KC Venugopal: High Command Link
Venugopal currently serves as a general secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and is considered close to the party’s central leadership. Though he is not contesting the Assembly elections, his influence within the organisation remains significant.
His potential candidature would require him to enter the state assembly through a bypoll if selected. His supporters highlight his organisational skills and national-level experience as key strengths.
Close Contest Among Senior Leaders
Among the frontrunners, Chennithala is currently leading from the Haripad constituency by a margin of over 7,000 votes, according to early trends. Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition, is ahead by a narrower margin of around 1,000 votes in Paravur.
Venugopal, a senior figure in the party’s central leadership, is not contesting the Assembly election but remains a strong contender due to his organisational influence and proximity to the Congress high command.
Different Kind of Power Struggle
The current leadership contest stands out from previous instances in Kerala Congress politics. Unlike earlier transitions, where state leaders dominated the race, the presence of a national-level leader like Venugopal has added complexity.
Historically, the Congress high command has managed leadership rivalries by assigning roles at the Centre. However, with the party not in power nationally, the Kerala chief minister’s post has become more significant, intensifying internal competition.
Party insiders suggest that each camp is confident of securing the top post. Satheesan is seen to have strong public backing after leading the UDF’s opposition campaign over the past five years.
At the same time, several candidates are believed to be aligned with Venugopal, reflecting his role in organisational decisions, including ticket distribution. Chennithala, a senior leader with prior experience as the party’s chief ministerial face in 2021, also remains a key contender with longstanding ties to the central leadership.
Despite the visible competition, party sources indicate that the final decision will rest with the Congress high command. Leaders maintain that the internal contest is unlikely to lead to divisions within the state unit. If current trends continue and the UDF secures a majority, the selection of Kerala’s next chief minister will be the party’s immediate priority, with all three leaders firmly in contention.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 04, 2026 11:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
