Kerala CM Deadlock: Why An IUML Warning Has Left Congress In A Fix

Last Updated:May 12, 2026, 11:31 IST

While UDF won 102 of the 140 seats, the Congress remains deadlocked over three main contenders -- VD Satheesan, KC Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala -- for Kerala CM post

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second-largest constituent of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), has warned that the week-long delay in naming Kerala’s next Chief Minister will lead to “political repercussions" and widespread voter dissatisfaction.

While the UDF won 102 of the 140 seats in the results announced on May 4, the Congress remains deadlocked over three main contenders — VD Satheesan, KC Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala.

WHAT THE IUML SAID

IUML Malappuram district general secretary P Abdul Hameed on Monday expressed strong displeasure over the delay in deciding Kerala’s next CM, saying that “people are expressing dissatisfaction everywhere we go, including at wedding ceremonies and funerals". He said the delay had already caused dissatisfaction among party workers and the public, and warned that prolonged uncertainty could have “political repercussions".

“The decision has already been delayed. If it is prolonged further, there will be repercussions. We hope the AICC leadership realises this," he told reporters.

He said people across the state were questioning the delay and claimed that even women voters from the district were calling party leaders to ask why they had been made to vote for the UDF.

Hameed said Kerala was politically different from north Indian states and that such prolonged indecision would not be accepted by politically aware voters in the state. He also said the UDF, despite securing a massive mandate, had been unable to properly celebrate its victory due to the uncertainty over the CM’s post. “In many places, victory celebrations are not taking place. There are situations where elected MLAs are being advised not to attend public events because of the growing dissatisfaction," he said.

THE THREE CONTENDERS

The Congress leadership is currently weighing three distinct paths, each carrying significant political risk:

VD Satheesan: Has the backing of the IUML and grassroots supporters but is reportedly resisting any secondary role or power-sharing formula.

KC Venugopal: Favoured by the central leadership and reportedly has the support of a majority of Congress MLAs (around 43). However, appointing him would trigger two by-elections, as he is currently a Lok Sabha MP.

Ramesh Chennithala: Represents seniority and experience but is currently considered the third frontrunner in the race.

WHY THE IUML WARNING HAS LEFT CONGRESS IN A FIX

The IUML’s public stance complicates the decision-making process for the Congress high command in several ways:

Explicit backing of VD Satheesan: The IUML has reportedly conveyed its preference for VD Satheesan, citing his role as the “mass campaign face" who revived the party on the ground. This directly conflicts with the high command’s reported preference for KC Venugopal, a close ally of Rahul Gandhi, according to reports.

Voter backlash in strongholds: IUML leaders in Malappuram reported that voters are questioning the delay at everyday social gatherings. The warning suggests that the historic mandate is being squandered by internal power struggles, potentially alienating the coalition’s core voter base, say experts.

Loss of Momentum: The IUML pointed out that victory celebrations have stalled and newly-elected MLAs are avoiding public events to escape voter ire over the uncertainty.

Pressure to Prevent Factionalism: The Congress high command has now summoned former KPCC presidents and veteran leader A.K. Antony to Delhi for urgent consultations on May 12 to resolve the impasse and prevent the alliance from fracturing.

With PTI, agency inputs

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