Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala is reportedly dissatisfied with the Congress leadership’s decision to choose V. D. Satheesan as Kerala Chief Minister, as political discussions intensify over the formation of the new UDF government. Reports also indicate that Chennithala is unlikely to join the new cabinet led by Satheesan.
The Congress high command finally ended nearly 10 days of suspense by selecting Satheesan to lead the government after the UDF’s massive victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections. However, the prolonged delay and intense lobbying reportedly created internal disappointment among some senior leaders and their supporters.
According to reports, Chennithala supporters were upset over the leadership selection process and believed the veteran leader deserved stronger consideration for the Chief Minister post because of his seniority and long political experience. Chennithala had emerged as one of the main contenders alongside Satheesan and K. C. Venugopal during the high command discussions in Delhi.
Sources within the Congress suggest that Chennithala may choose to stay away from the cabinet as part of the party’s attempt to balance factions and promote a new leadership generation under Satheesan. The Congress leadership is reportedly planning a major reshuffle with increased representation for younger leaders and first-time ministers.
The developments have sparked major discussions across Kerala political circles and social media platforms. Supporters of Chennithala expressed disappointment online, while rival political camps mocked the Congress for the prolonged internal struggle over the Chief Minister selection.
Chennithala, one of Kerala Congress’s most experienced leaders, previously served as Leader of Opposition, Home Minister, KPCC president, and senior UDF coordinator. He also played a key role in the Congress party’s organisational activities over the last two decades.
Despite reports of dissatisfaction, Congress leaders are publicly attempting to project unity ahead of the swearing-in ceremony. Party insiders say the leadership is continuing discussions with senior leaders to avoid factional tensions in the new government.
Meanwhile, political observers believe the situation reflects the larger power shift happening inside Kerala Congress politics, where Satheesan’s rise is being seen as the beginning of a new leadership era within the UDF.
