Five days after the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) secured 102 seats in the 140-member Kerala Assembly, internal strife has erupted within the party over the selection of a Chief Minister. Contenders V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala are at the center of this competition, leading to protests and poster wars among their supporters. Demonstrations in Kozhikode have depicted Satheesan as a 'kingmaker,' while tensions escalated when Venugopal's posters were torn down in favor of Satheesan's. In response, Congress has removed four office-bearers in Idukki for their support of Satheesan's actions. Senior leaders have emphasized the need for a consensus-driven decision rather than one influenced by public pressure. A meeting of Congress's top brass in New Delhi focused on the government formation, with all three contenders appealing for an end to the divisive behavior. The final decision on the Chief Minister will be made by the Congress high command, with all factions expected to accept the outcome.