Congress leadership faces tough choice over Kerala CM, Sonia to take final call

Rahul Gandhi is also said to be weighing whether KC Venugopal should be sent to Kerala as chief minister or continue in his current organisational role as Congress general secretary at the national level.

In Short

• Congress leaders held a three-hour meeting in Delhi on Saturday
• Deepa Das Munshi said the chief minister decision would come very soon
• All Congress MLAs signed a resolution authorising the leadership's final call

The Congress party is yet to finalise Kerala’s next chief minister despite the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) securing a massive victory in the Assembly elections. Sources said senior party leader Sonia Gandhi has been authorised to take the final call on the new chief minister.

Speaking after a marathon meeting in Delhi on Saturday, Congress general secretary Deepa Dasmunsi said the final decision on the chief ministerial post would be taken by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, with an announcement expected soon. All Congress MLAs had authorised the party high command to make the final decision on the chief minister’s post, she added.

THREE MAIN CONTENDERS IN RACE

The leadership meeting discussed the claims of the three main contenders for the chief minister’s post — KC Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala and VD Satheesan.

Sources said each leader strongly presented his case during the discussions but assured the leadership that they would accept whatever decision the high command takes.

According to party insiders, a majority of Congress MLAs are believed to be backing Venugopal. However, the leadership is reportedly trying to build consensus among all senior leaders before announcing a final name.

Rahul Gandhi is also said to be weighing whether Venugopal should be sent to Kerala as chief minister or continue in his current organisational role as Congress general secretary at the national level.

RAHUL GANDHI UPSET OVER POSTERS, PUBLIC DISPLAYS

The Congress high command also indirectly advised party leaders and supporters to avoid public campaigning, posters and demonstrations in favour of individual candidates.

Sources said Rahul Gandhi expressed strong displeasure over the poster campaigns and slogan-shouting by supporters of various leaders, saying such activities were damaging the party’s image despite its impressive electoral victory.

The meeting also reportedly authorised Sonia Gandhi to take the final call, while the formal announcement is expected to be made by Kharge.

LONG DELHI MEETING TO RESOLVE DEADLOCK

The meeting, chaired by Kharge, lasted for more than three hours and was attended by Rahul Gandhi, senior Kerala leaders Chennithala and Satheesan, Kerala Congress chief Sunny Joseph and other key leaders.

Party leaders discussed possible formulas to maintain unity within the alliance and prevent internal divisions after the landslide victory.

MAY 23 DEADLINE ADDS PRESSURE

The Congress leadership is under pressure to finalise the chief ministerial candidate quickly, as May 23 is the last date for government formation in Kerala. By then, the new chief minister must be elected and sworn in.

Party leaders expect a decision within the next 24 to 48 hours, though no official timeline has been announced so far.

MLAS BACK HIGH COMMAND DECISION

All Congress MLAs in Kerala have reportedly signed a resolution authorising the party leadership to decide the CM candidate. The move is being seen as an attempt to avoid factional conflict and ensure unity within the party.

For now, the Congress leadership continues consultations as it tries to balance alliance dynamics, seniority, organisational interests and public expectations before naming Kerala’s next chief minister.

- Ends