KC Venugopal, a trusted aide of Rahul Gandhi, is in the running for the Kerala Congress chief ministership. However, he faces stiff competition from VD Satheesan, a six-time MLA from Paravur, who has the backing of the Indian Union Muslim League and other parties.
Venugopal, who has served as General Secretary (Organisation) of the All India Congress Committee, has considerable Kerala credentials, including a stint as a minister for tourism under the late Oommen Chandy. He has also helped bring disgruntled CPI(M) leaders into the UDF.
On the other hand, Satheesan has the support of Congress workers, who have organised demonstrations in his favour across several districts. He also has the backing of the IUML, which has 22 legislators.
The Congress has 63 MLAs, but Venugopal's rival contenders, including Ramesh Chennithala, a six-time MLA from Haripad, are also in the running. The final decision on the chief minister will be taken by the Congress high command.
