CongressLeadership – Rahul Gandhi Reviews Kerala CM Selection Amid Internal Tensions

CongressLeadership – The Congress party’s ongoing discussions over appointing Kerala’s next chief minister gathered momentum on Tuesday as senior leader Rahul Gandhi met experienced party figures amid growing unrest within the state unit. The consultations, held in New Delhi, are being viewed as a crucial stage before the party leadership finalises its decision.

Senior Leaders Discuss Growing Internal Discontent

According to party insiders, the meetings focused less on choosing the chief ministerial candidate and more on the controversy that erupted around the selection process. Several Congress leaders reportedly expressed concern over recent protest marches, online campaigns, and public criticism involving party members.

Sources familiar with the discussions indicated that the central leadership was particularly unhappy with incidents perceived as attempts to pressure decision-makers. The developments are believed to have weakened the standing of Opposition Leader V D Satheesan, who had earlier been considered among the leading contenders.

At the same time, AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal is said to have gained stronger backing from a majority of newly elected MLAs, improving his chances in the leadership race. A formal announcement regarding the next chief minister is expected soon.

Rahul Gandhi Raises Concerns Over Social Media Activity

During the interactions, Rahul Gandhi reportedly sought detailed information about the protests and the social media campaigns targeting senior Congress leaders. Party insiders said he questioned how platforms originally intended for official organisational communication were allegedly used to intensify factional disputes.

Leaders present at the discussions said the Congress leadership viewed the situation seriously, believing such developments could encourage similar incidents in other states if left unchecked. The party high command is understood to have treated the matter as more than just an internal disagreement, seeing it instead as a challenge to organisational discipline.

A senior Congress figure familiar with the meetings said Rahul Gandhi clarified that he wanted a complete understanding of the events surrounding the controversy before the leadership arrived at a final conclusion.

Concerns Over External Influence on Party Decisions

Another issue raised during the consultations reportedly involved attempts by individuals outside the Congress to influence the party’s internal decision-making process. Senior leaders are said to have discussed concerns over lobbying efforts and unofficial political manoeuvres connected to the chief ministerial selection.

Party sources indicated that the central leadership remains determined to prevent external pressure from affecting its final decision. The discussions also reflected concerns that public displays of factional rivalry could damage the party’s image at a politically sensitive moment.

Series of Meetings Held With Veteran Congress Figures

Rahul Gandhi met several senior leaders individually during the day, including former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee presidents K Muralidharan, V M Sudheeran, and M M Hassan. He also interacted with Congress disciplinary committee chairman Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and working presidents A P Anil Kumar, P C Vishnunath, and Shafi Parambil.

Former KPCC president Mullappally Ramachandran was consulted over the telephone. Following these meetings, Rahul Gandhi later held discussions with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as the party moved closer to making its final decision on Kerala leadership.

The Congress high command is expected to weigh organisational unity, legislative support, and political stability before officially naming the next chief minister. The outcome is likely to play a major role in shaping the party’s future strategy in Kerala and could influence internal equations within the state unit for years ahead.