Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress MP, has indicated his support for KC Venugopal, the party's MP from Alappuzha, as the next Chief Minister of Kerala. This decision comes amidst efforts to consolidate support from party workers and leaders over the next two days. Gandhi's private meeting with Venugopal preceded an official gathering of Congress leaders at party chief Mallikarjun Kharge's residence in New Delhi. However, there is notable dissent within the party, particularly from VD Satheesan, who has openly opposed Venugopal's candidacy. Satheesan claims that Venugopal's actions as Congress general secretary have created divisions among MLAs, which may have hindered the party's performance in recent elections. The Congress party currently holds 63 seats in the Kerala assembly, with its allies, including the IUML, holding significant influence. The party must weigh the choice between a central leader like Venugopal and a more locally supported candidate as it strategizes for the future.