Thiruvananthapuram: Amid intense manoeuvring among chief ministerial hopefuls within the Indian National Congress with over two weeks left for the vote count, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has cautioned the Congress leadership, warning of serious repercussions if the situation is not addressed.
IUML state general secretary P. M. A. Salam indicated that the party would be deeply unhappy if reports of a dispute over the chief minister’s post were accurate.
He reportedly expressed concern over such developments, especially when the electorate had given a strong mandate in favour of the UDF, TNIE reported.
The reaction comes amid a visible tussle between supporters of Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala on social media, each projecting their leader as the frontrunner for the CM post. Both camps are also believed to be actively seeking the backing of potential MLAs.
IUML leaders reportedly feel that such public posturing undermines the mandate given by voters and have called for immediate intervention from the Congress high command.
One leader, speaking anonymously, suggested that the party might consider charting its own course if the situation continues.
Concerns have also been raised by other UDF allies, who believe the infighting could damage the credibility of a potential UDF government. Meanwhile, senior Congress figures, including Benny Behanan, K. C. Joseph, and K. Muraleedharan, have expressed unease over the ongoing power struggle.
Behanan is understood to have written to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, seeking urgent intervention and warning against what he described as a troubling trend where leadership decisions appear to be influenced by social media discussions.
He reportedly criticised the premature projection of chief ministerial candidates even before results are declared, saying it disrespects the public mandate and reinforces perceptions of internal divisions within the party.
K. C. Joseph is said to have maintained that discussions about the CM post at this stage are inappropriate, stressing that the party has an established process to elect its legislative leader and that the victory belongs to all UDF workers, not individuals.
Similarly, Muraleedharan reportedly reiterated that decisions regarding the chief minister are taken by the high command in consultation with elected MLAs, not through social media narratives, and that such discussions go against party norms.