Leaders call for truce; supporters dismantle posters following high-stakes Delhi meet
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The suspense over Kerala’s next Chief Minister continues as the Congress high command opted for further deliberation following a marathon high-level meeting in New Delhi on Saturday. While a final announcement remains pending, the party leadership has sent a stern message to the rank and file, ordering an immediate halt to the “poster wars” and public displays of factionalism that have cropped up across the state.
The crucial discussions, held at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, saw the participation of Rahul Gandhi and the three primary contenders for the top post: V.D. Satheesan, K.C. Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala. KPCC President Sunny Joseph and AICC observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken—who submitted their ground report based on feedback from newly elected MLAs—were also present.
A Call for Discipline
Despite the landslide victory secured by the United Democratic Front (UDF), the leadership expressed concern over the internal friction becoming public. Addressing the media post-meeting, AICC Secretary Deepa Dasmunsi emphasized that “unruly incidents” seen over the past week do not align with the party’s culture.
“The people have given us a massive mandate. We request all workers to refrain from activities that suggest division. The high command will announce the final decision very soon,” Dasmunsi stated.
Dismantling the “Flex War”
The impact of the leadership’s directive was immediate. By Saturday evening, Youth Congress and KSU activists were seen removing massive flex boards and posters from Indira Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram and other district headquarters.
The move comes after V.D. Satheesan, K.C. Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala issued a joint appeal to their supporters. Satheesan noted that the public campaigns were creating a false impression of a fractured party, while Venugopal warned against “tarnishing the image of one leader to elevate another.”
- In Sultan Bathery: A massive rally planned in support of Satheesan was abruptly called off.
- Across the State: Cleanup drives were reported in Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Kannur as workers raced to meet the Saturday night deadline set by the leadership.
The Path Ahead
The AICC observers had previously met with the elected legislators at Indira Bhavan on Thursday to gauge the consensus. While the report is now with Kharge, the party appears to be taking its time to ensure a transition that balances regional interests and senior leadership experience. For now, Kerala remains in a state of watchful anticipation, waiting for the white smoke to emerge from 10 Janpath.
