Differences of opinion over the selection of the next Chief Minister in Kerala spilled onto the streets again on Wednesday (May 13), with posters appearing in different parts of Wayanad and Kozhikode districts criticising the party high command and senior leaders.

The English-language posters pasted near the Wayanad District Congress Committee office and at Karassery panchayat in Kozhikode district reportedly targeted Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, warning against the elevation of AICC general secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal as Chief Minister. The posters cautioned that Kerala voters would not forgive such a decision and claimed that Wayanad could turn into “another Amethi”, referring to Mr. Gandhi’s earlier electoral defeat from the Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh.

The posters also carried sharp personal remarks against Mr. Venugopal, describing him as a close aide of the Gandhi family, and warned of intensified protests if the leadership proceeded with his selection. Those behind the poster campaign further stated that the Gandhi siblings should “forget Wayanad”, alleging that they would face electoral setbacks in the constituency.

Meanwhile, a section of Congress leaders backing V.D. Satheesan said the posters reflected growing dissatisfaction among sections of the party cadre over the delay in announcing the Chief Minister, even after the UDF’s recent victory with a thumping majority in the Assembly elections.