Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress high command is expected to take a final decision on Kerala’s next Chief Minister within the next 24 hours after the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) secured a decisive victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.
While the UDF comfortably crossed the majority mark by winning 89 seats in the 140-member Assembly, uncertainty continues over who will lead the new government in the state.
The ruling Left Democratic Front led by Pinarayi Vijayan was reduced to 35 seats, while the BJP managed to secure only three seats in the election.
Three senior Congress leaders in contention
According to party sources, three prominent Congress leaders are currently in contention for the Chief Minister’s post.
These include K. C. Venugopal, outgoing Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan and senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala.
The matter is now before the Congress leadership in Delhi, with the final decision expected from the party’s top leadership.
Two Congress observers appointed by the party reportedly submitted their report to Mallikarjun Kharge after consulting newly elected MLAs in Kerala.
Sources indicated that senior Congress leaders are likely to hold discussions at Kharge’s residence before arriving at a consensus on the leadership issue.
Supporters intensify lobbying efforts
Amid ongoing deliberations, supporters of various contenders have intensified lobbying efforts both in Kerala and in New Delhi.
Posters and banners supporting K. C. Venugopal and V. D. Satheesan were reportedly seen in parts of Delhi as well as Thiruvananthapuram.
The leadership race has triggered considerable political excitement within the Congress camp despite the alliance’s electoral success.
Party insiders said the leadership decision is being handled cautiously to avoid internal divisions at a time when the Congress is preparing to return to power in Kerala after several years.
Decision likely within 24 hours
Senior Congress leader K. Muraleedharan stated on Saturday that the high command is expected to finalise the Chief Ministerial candidate soon.
“The information from Delhi is that discussions on the chief ministerial candidate will be completed within 24 hours,” Muraleedharan said.
He also clarified that the party does not always select a Chief Minister based purely on seniority.
“Seniority is not the sole criterion while selecting the chief minister. The party has not always followed that yardstick,” he added.
Muraleedharan further said he had already conveyed the sentiments of people from his constituency to the party leadership during consultations.
UDF records major comeback in Kerala
The election results marked a major political comeback for the Congress-led UDF in Kerala.
The alliance’s victory ended the Left Front’s tenure under Pinarayi Vijayan and reflected strong anti-incumbency sentiment across several regions of the state.
Political analysts noted that the Congress benefited from voter dissatisfaction on issues related to governance, unemployment and economic concerns.
The results also marked a setback for the BJP, which failed to significantly expand its presence in the state despite aggressive campaigning.
Focus shifts to government formation
With the electoral battle now concluded, focus has shifted entirely to government formation and cabinet discussions within the Congress-led alliance.
Party workers and supporters are eagerly awaiting the high command’s final decision regarding the Chief Minister’s post.
The chosen leader will be tasked with balancing alliance expectations, managing internal party dynamics and fulfilling key promises made during the election campaign.
The formal announcement regarding Kerala’s next Chief Minister is expected soon after the Congress leadership completes consultations in Delhi.