The Congress leadership battle in Kerala has escalated as V. D. Satheesan’s faction urges the party high command to exclude Deepa Dasmunshi from the upcoming crucial meeting with MLAs and central observers. Central observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken are set to engage with the 63 Congress legislators in the state capital. Satheesan’s camp fears Dasmunshi’s presence could sway legislators, highlighting the deepening factional rifts before the leadership decision.
Efforts to bolster support within the legislature party are underway as Satheesan vies for leadership alongside key figures K. C. Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala. With Satheesan reportedly having fewer MLA endorsements, a push is on to sway allegiances and secure his name as a secondary preference among legislators. This strategic move aims to solidify Satheesan’s position in a closely contested race as the observers prepare for consultations.
In a bid to shore up support, Satheesan’s camp is working to convince MLAs aligned with Venugopal and Chennithala to back him or at least consider him as a secondary choice. Public endorsements like Neyyattinkara MLA N. Sakthan’s vocal support and visits from influential figures signal the intensifying lobbying efforts across factions. As the leadership decision looms, the fluid contest hinges on potential last-minute shifts in allegiances.
