After 10 days of the Kerala assembly election results, the Congress is expected to finally name its chief ministerial pick. The announcement is likely to be made during a Congress Legislature Party meeting in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, according to a party functionary.
The delay had triggered intense speculation, but signals from the party leadership now suggest that internal discussions have concluded. Congress communication chief Jairam Ramesh confirmed the development after a key meeting involving senior leaders.
“As authorised by the members of the CLP in Kerala, the Congress high command has completed all discussions and the decision on the next Kerala CM will be announced tomorrow,” he said, following talks between Rahul Gandhi and K. C. Venugopal.
Three-way contest kept suspense alive
The leadership race has largely revolved around three prominent figures. Alongside Venugopal, the outgoing Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala have remained in contention.
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In the days following the May 4 results, all three camps actively engaged in lobbying efforts. While Venugopal is believed to have the backing of several MLAs, Satheesan has continued to hold firm, keeping the contest open till the final stage.
Reports from Kerala indicate heightened political activity, with supporters gathering at Satheesan’s residence in Aluva as well as at district party offices.
Consultations and ally response
To break the impasse, Congress observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken held consultations with MLAs and MPs over the past several days. Rahul Gandhi also spoke directly with Satheesan and held further discussions with senior Kerala leaders, including former state unit chiefs, earlier this week.
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Meanwhile, the Indian Union Muslim League, a key partner in the United Democratic Front, is awaiting clarity from the Congress.
“We are waiting for a decision from the Congress high command in Delhi in this regard,” senior IUML leader P. K. Kunhalikutty said. “We hope a decision will come at the earliest.”
With the UDF securing 102 seats, including 63 won by the Congress, the focus now shifts to the official announcement that will end the prolonged wait for Kerala’s next chief minister.
