Eight days after the UDF’s massive victory in Keralam, Congress is still struggling to announce its Chief Minister face amid intense factional infighting. Marathon meetings, Delhi consultations and aggressive lobbying have exposed deep divisions within the party. Sources say KC Venugopal has emerged as the leading contender with strong MLA backing, while Ramesh Chennithala remains a possible compromise candidate. VD Satheesan’s push for the top post is believed to have weakened his chances. Rahul Gandhi has personally stepped in to resolve the deadlock as Congress leadership races to finalise a decision within days, even as alliance tensions with IUML continue to grow.