Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress in Kerala is entering a crucial phase following the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) sweeping victory in the Assembly elections, with the party now tasked with choosing its chief ministerial candidate amid competing claims from senior functionaries.The tussle surfaced even before results, with senior Congress figures openly debating the chief minister’s post after polling, confident of a UDF return. The situation intensified enough for the AICC to step in to contain infighting. Three contenders—K. C. Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala, and V. D. Satheesan—have emerged as frontrunners.Satheesan has gained momentum following the emphatic win, having predicted a 100seat sweep and defeats of several LDF ministers—claims that largely materialised. Party insiders credit his leadership, campaign strategy, and grassroots mobilisation, with several UDF allies backing him.Party insiders credit Satheesan’s leadership, campaign strategy, and candidate selection for the UDF’s decisive win. His ability to mobilise grassroots workers and secure strong backing from coalition partners has further strengthened his position. Several UDF constituents have already indicated their support for him as the natural choice for CM.Chennithala remains a strong contender, citing his long tenure as leader of opposition from 2016 to 2021 and his active role during the campaign. At the same time, Venugopal, a senior AICC functionary, continues to command support from a section of leaders within the state unit.With the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting expected soon, the focus is on whether the party reachesconsensus or faces a divided mandate, with AICC likely to play a key role again.