Kerala's Congress prematurely positioned for Chief Minister, assuming a UDF election win. Their ally, the IUML, further complicated matters by publicly backing V.D. Satheesan, citing dubious exit polls. This unseemly display of ambition fueled sectarian tensions, benefiting the BJP and undermining the UDF's vital social base. The author critically highlights the IUML's breach of established coalition decorum, which dictates CM selection post-election by the leading party. This public posturing is a "stinging reminder" to avoid such actions. The Congress high command must penalize such embarrassing maneuvers to maintain coalition stability and respect political conventions in Kerala.