Thiruvananthapuram: The suspense over who will become Kerala’s next Chief Minister continues, with the Congress high command yet to announce its final choice despite the United Democratic Front (UDF) securing a massive victory in the Assembly elections.

The delay in decision-making has reportedly caused concern among key UDF allies, particularly the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which has warned that prolonged uncertainty could have political consequences for the coalition government.

To break the deadlock, the Congress leadership has decided to consult former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) presidents before finalising the chief ministerial candidate.

Congress leadership to hold consultations in Delhi

According to party sources, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has called several senior Kerala Congress leaders to New Delhi for consultations likely to take place on Tuesday.

The leaders expected to participate in the discussions include:

  • M M Hassan
  • V M Sudheeran
  • Mullappally Ramachandran
  • K Muraleedharan
  • K Sudhakaran

Sources said senior Congress veteran A K Antony will also be consulted during the process.

The final decision is expected to be taken jointly by Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, with an announcement likely within the next couple of days.

Three leaders emerge as chief ministerial frontrunners

Three senior Congress leaders have emerged as the main contenders for the chief minister’s post:

  • Ramesh Chennithala
  • K C Venugopal
  • V D Satheesan

Among them, Venugopal is believed to enjoy strong support from Rahul Gandhi and the party’s national leadership. Sources also claim that more than 40 newly elected Congress MLAs have expressed support for him.

However, Satheesan reportedly remains highly popular among party workers and grassroots supporters in Kerala. Sources further indicate that he has the backing of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Demonstrations and poster wars complicate decision

The leadership race has also triggered visible factional activity in Kerala.

Supporters of Satheesan and Venugopal have reportedly engaged in demonstrations and poster campaigns across parts of the state over the past week.

Some party leaders believe the public demonstrations demanding Satheesan’s elevation may have complicated his chances, as the Congress high command traditionally discourages open factional pressure.

Party leaders in Thiruvananthapuram indicated that the central leadership is waiting for the political atmosphere to calm before making an official announcement.

Speaking to reporters, K Muraleedharan said the Congress would follow democratic consultation processes before taking a decision.

“I think a decision will be made within 48 hours. Congress is a democratic party, so it will apply all democratic methods, including discussions with MLAs and coalition partners,” he said.

Congress observers already consulted MLAs

The Congress leadership had earlier deputed senior observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik to Kerala to interact individually with newly elected MLAs.

Their task was to assess legislative support for the chief ministerial candidates.

Sources said a majority of MLAs reportedly backed Venugopal during the consultations.

UDF secures massive mandate

The Congress-led UDF registered a sweeping victory in the Kerala Assembly elections.

The Congress won 63 seats in the 140-member Assembly, while its allies added substantial numbers:

  • IUML – 22 seats
  • Kerala Congress (KEC) – 8 seats
  • Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) – 3 seats

Together, the UDF secured 102 seats, giving the alliance a more than two-thirds majority in the Assembly.

With the numbers firmly in its favour, the Congress leadership is now focused on ensuring a smooth leadership transition while maintaining unity within the alliance and the party organisation.