Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan, leading a Congress government formed just two months ago, is encountering signs of unease inside the party. Several senior figures have criticised him for bypassing organisational input when making key decisions and political appointments.
The objections come mainly from leaders aligned with AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, who had been viewed as a leading contender for the chief minister post.
Tensions have focused on Satheesan’s management of the Congress student wing, the Kerala Students Union. The dispute began when the KSU state president questioned the appointment of a lawyer with alleged CPI(M) ties as government counsel in the High Court. Satheesan, who holds the law portfolio, dismissed the concern and stated that the KSU had no say in such matters. He also faced criticism for not acknowledging the KSU leader at a Kochi event.
Senior leader V M Sudheeran supported the KSU president, calling him a person of integrity who should continue speaking out. Venugopal added that steps causing distress to party workers should be avoided and that grievances would be reviewed.
On the third death anniversary of former chief minister Oommen Chandy, state spokesperson V R Anoop posted remarks contrasting Chandy’s approach with current attitudes toward criticism. Another general secretary, P M Niyas, stressed the need to accept feedback and noted earlier objections to an election commissioner appointment that were not acted upon.
Some leaders argue that Satheesan has marginalised the party organisation and shown less openness to internal dissent, contrasting this with his own vocal criticism during the previous Congress-led government. Most recent controversies have stemmed from decisions by the chief minister’s office or departments under his direct control, with few senior colleagues publicly defending him.
