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Kerala CM Race Intensifies: Posters in Wayanad Target Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Amid KC Venugopal Speculation
Political tensions within the Indian National Congress in Kerala have escalated following the appearance of controversial posters in Wayanad targeting Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra amid the ongoing uncertainty over the state’s next Chief Minister.
The posters surfaced near the Wayanad District Congress Committee office and reportedly warned the party’s central leadership against appointing senior Congress leader K. C. Venugopal as Kerala’s next Chief Minister.
Posters Warn Congress High Command
Several posters carried sharp political messages aimed directly at the Gandhi siblings.
One of the most striking slogans reportedly stated:
The statement appeared to suggest that local party workers and voters could turn against the Congress leadership if public sentiment in Kerala is ignored during the Chief Minister selection process.
Other posters allegedly urged Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi to “forget Wayanad” if decisions were imposed from Delhi without considering grassroots opinion.
The messaging reflected growing unease among sections of the Kerala Congress unit regarding the possible elevation of KC Venugopal.
Why KC Venugopal’s Name Is Causing Friction
KC Venugopal is considered one of the closest aides to the Congress high command and currently plays a major organisational role at the national level.
However, critics within the Kerala unit reportedly believe:
- The decision-making process is becoming too centralised
- Local leaders and workers are being sidelined
- Delhi-based influence is outweighing state-level political realities
The posters also accused the leadership of favouring loyalty to the central command over regional leadership dynamics.
So far, neither Rahul Gandhi nor Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has publicly reacted to the controversy.
Congress Returns to Power in Kerala After a Decade
The leadership tussle comes at a sensitive time for the Congress.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) recently secured a major victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections:
- UDF won 102 out of 140 seats
- The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) was reduced to 35 seats
The result marked the Congress alliance’s return to power in Kerala after nearly ten years.
Despite the electoral success, internal competition over the Chief Minister’s position has now exposed factional divisions.
Main Contenders for Kerala Chief Minister
At present, three senior leaders are being viewed as the leading contenders:
- K. C. Venugopal
- V. D. Satheesan
- Ramesh Chennithala
Each leader is believed to enjoy support from different factions within the state Congress.
Political observers say the final decision could significantly impact the party’s unity and long-term stability in Kerala.
Rahul Gandhi Holds Consultations in Delhi
Amid growing pressure, Rahul Gandhi reportedly held meetings in New Delhi with former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) presidents and senior party leaders.
According to sources:
- Leaders shared feedback on public mood and party sentiment
- Discussions focused heavily on the Chief Minister selection process
- Concerns about internal unity were also raised
Former KPCC chief K. Muraleedharan indicated that the final announcement could come soon.
Senior Congress leader V. M. Sudheeran also stated that he had conveyed grassroots sentiment to the party leadership.
High Command Continues Deliberations
Congress observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik have already met newly elected MLAs and consulted multiple factions within the state unit.
The leadership has also reportedly held discussions with:
- All three CM contenders
- Kerala Congress president Sunny Joseph
Sources suggest the Congress high command may announce Kerala’s next Chief Minister within the next 24–48 hours.
Final Take
While the Congress has achieved a significant electoral comeback in Kerala, the unresolved Chief Ministerial question has triggered visible internal tensions. The emergence of public posters targeting senior national leaders highlights the delicate balancing act facing the party high command.
The final leadership decision will not only determine Kerala’s next Chief Minister but could also shape the Congress party’s internal dynamics ahead of future national political battles.