The Congress central leadership has expressed serious concern over the escalating factionalism within its Kerala unit, driven by supporters of competing chief ministerial contenders. Party insiders indicate that remarks by K. C. Venugopal, urging leaders to refrain from social media campaigns, reflect the growing unease at the national level.

Sources suggest that AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge is likely to step in after the parliamentary vote on the delimitation amendment bill, with the aim of restoring discipline. With Venugopal engaged in parliamentary proceedings, there is also speculation that either Kharge or Rahul Gandhi may directly intervene.

Senior leaders believe the ongoing infighting, now involving prominent figures, is damaging the party’s image at a critical political moment, especially as it confronts the BJP-led government in Parliament. One AICC functionary reportedly criticized Kerala leaders for prioritizing narrow regional interests over broader political responsibilities.

There is also dissatisfaction over the perceived inaction of Opposition leader V. D. Satheesan in addressing the controversy. The row reportedly began after Ernakulam DCC president Mohammad Shiyas suggested that the next chief minister should hail from his district, sparking a wave of online campaigning. Despite senior leaders like Ramesh Chennithala and Venugopal distancing themselves from such narratives, Satheesan has not publicly condemned the developments.

Further complicating matters, Kozhikode MP M. K. Raghavan stated that the state leadership had opposed granting assembly tickets to certain MPs, a stance attributed largely to Satheesan. While his camp now claims this was aimed at preventing Venugopal’s entry into the fray, critics argue the explanation has come too late to contain the fallout.