. Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress in Kerala is entering a crucial phase following the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) sweeping victory in the Assembly elections, with the party now tasked with choosing its chief ministerial candidate amid competing claims from senior functionaries.The tussle surfaced even before results, with senior Congress figures openly debating the chief minister’s post after polling, confident of a UDF return. The situation intensified enough for the AICC to step in to contain infighting. Three contenders—K. C. Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala, and V. D. Satheesan—have emerged as frontrunners. Watch Shashi Tharoor Calls for Policy Reset and Economic Revival, Kerala Poll verdict 2026Satheesan has gained momentum following the emphatic win, having predicted a 100seat sweep and defeats of several LDF ministers—claims that largely materialised. Party insiders credit his leadership, campaign strategy, and grassroots mobilisation, with several UDF allies backing him.Party insiders credit Satheesan’s leadership, campaign strategy, and candidate selection for the UDF’s decisive win. His ability to mobilise grassroots workers and secure strong backing from coalition partners has further strengthened his position. Several UDF constituents have already indicated their support for him as the natural choice for CM.Chennithala remains a strong contender, citing his long tenure as leader of opposition from 2016 to 2021 and his active role during the campaign. At the same time, Venugopal, a senior AICC functionary, continues to command support from a section of leaders within the state unit.With the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting expected soon, the focus is on whether the party reachesconsensus or faces a divided mandate, with AICC likely to play a key role again.Follow the latest election results 2026, live updates, winner lists, constituency-wise results, party-wise trends and full coverage for Tamil Nadu election results, West Bengal election results, Kerala election results, Assam election results and Puducherry election results results on Times of India.About the AuthorRajiv GRajiv G is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Times of India, bringing over two decades of journalistic experience and editorial expertise to the newsroom. He began his journey in 1998 with The Indian Express in Coimbatore before moving on to Deccan Chronicle in Hyderabad and later The New Indian Express in Hyderabad and Bangalore, and later in Kerala where he spent a decade covering some of the most defining stories. Since joining The Times of India in 2011, Rajiv has been at the forefront of reporting on Kerala’s health and political landscape. His sustained coverage of the health sector since 2005 has contributed to public awareness and policy discourse, while his political reporting since 2008 has provided readers with sharp, well-informed perspectives. His work has been widely recognized, earning him honors from the Indian Medical Association, the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association, and the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association. He was also conferred the *Best Reporter Award* by the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club, where he has held leadership roles as Secretary and President.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPunjab Showdown: AAP MLAs Head to President Over Rajya Sabha RowIndia Rejects Nepal’s Objection To Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Via Lipulekh PassNepal Objects To India-China Plan To Conduct Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Via LipulekhIndia-Linked LPG Tanker MT Sarv Shakti Heads To Visakhapatnam After Crossing HormuzPassenger Opens Emergency Exit Door On Air Arabia Flight While Taxiing At Chennai Airport, ArrestedAhead Of Counting, Gunmen Open Fire At BJP Leader’s House In Bengal’s Noapara‘I Am Also A Victim’: Vinesh Phogat Identifies As Complainant In Brij Bhushan Sexual Harassment CaseBJP MP Sandeep Pathak Claims ‘No Information’ On FIRs, Alleges Misuse Of State Machinery In PunjabIndian Startup Launches Mission Drishti, World’s First OptoSAR Satellite, Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9Diljit Dosanjh Confronts Khalistan Supporters at Calgary Concert, Explains KBC Appearance123PhotostoriesThe simple breathing habit Sri Sri Ravi Shankar suggests to reduce stress instantlyHantavirus: As WHO shares the symptoms of the infected patients, Delhi NCR doctor reveals how a mild fever can become a life-threatening lung emergencySoaked raisins health benefits: Why eating soaked kishmish daily supports digestion, heart health, and natural energyPrasidh Krishna’s Bengaluru Home: A look at the cricketer’s stylish private retreatIndian billionaire Sudha Reddy stuns at Met Gala 2026 – but it’s her ₹142 crore tanzanite necklace that has everyone talkingElon Musk’s 9 am high-protein breakfast includes these 3 foods5 Met Gala food rules you probably did not knowFrom Garlic to selfies: What items are banned at the MET Gala?Metrics used in India to measure homes and how to convert them easilyStruggling in a 400 sq ft home? 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Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress in Kerala is entering a crucial phase following the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) sweeping victory in the Assembly elections, with the party now tasked with choosing its chief ministerial candidate amid competing claims from senior functionaries.The tussle surfaced even before results, with senior Congress figures openly debating the chief minister’s post after polling, confident of a UDF return. The situation intensified enough for the AICC to step in to contain infighting. Three contenders—K. C. Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala, and V. D. Satheesan—have emerged as frontrunners.
Satheesan has gained momentum following the emphatic win, having predicted a 100seat sweep and defeats of several LDF ministers—claims that largely materialised. Party insiders credit his leadership, campaign strategy, and grassroots mobilisation, with several UDF allies backing him.Party insiders credit Satheesan’s leadership, campaign strategy, and candidate selection for the UDF’s decisive win. His ability to mobilise grassroots workers and secure strong backing from coalition partners has further strengthened his position. Several UDF constituents have already indicated their support for him as the natural choice for CM.Chennithala remains a strong contender, citing his long tenure as leader of opposition from 2016 to 2021 and his active role during the campaign. At the same time, Venugopal, a senior AICC functionary, continues to command support from a section of leaders within the state unit.With the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting expected soon, the focus is on whether the party reachesconsensus or faces a divided mandate, with AICC likely to play a key role again.
