#Kcvenugopal

The last CM, Pinarayi Vijayan, did something fundamental to the office. Over his decade-long tenure, his CMO became the central pole in a way Kerala has never seen before. Post-Pinarayi, the top job is bigger than ever

From tacitly allowing K C Venugopal to enter the CM race to picking Satheesan, the Congress high command’s 360-degree turn is unprecedented in its recent political history.

From Indianexpress RSS Feed: Satheesan’s message of unity after being named Kerala CM: ‘KC Venugopal, Chennithala gave huge support … only teamwork will do’

After nine days, Congress says deliberations have concluded, even though its bid to work out a compromise formula between the three contenders — K C Venugopal, V D Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala — goes down to the wire

Venugopal, who is currently general secretary (organisation), is the closest leader to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the Congress will have a tough time replacing him.

While Congress high command fails to reach a consensus during a meeting with Satheesan, Venugopal and Chennithala, the three contenders remain firm in staking their respective claims to CM's post

In Kerala, Congress workers rarely hit the streets for a leader. In this instance, more so given that V D Satheesan does not have the support of any one group.

V D Satheesan, the LoP in the previous Assembly, has made it clear that he is not interested in taking up any post other than that of the CM; while Ramesh Chennithala is banking on his seniority.

Opposition parties pointed out that the increase in gas prices comes just two days after polling in Assembly elections in five states.

With counting day nearing, race between three of the state’s most prominent Congress leaders for the chief minister’s post is in its last lap.