Kerala CM Selection In Final Stage, Announcement Expected Shortly

The selection of the next Kerala Chief Minister by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) remains pending as the party high command continues wider consultations with senior leaders, MLAs, and alliance partners , with a final decision expected either by Tuesday night or Today morning , party leaders said.

Former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president K Muraleedharan said the process is in its final stage after a series of one-on-one discussions held by Rahul Gandhi with senior leaders from Kerala at Sonia Gandhi’s residence in New Delhi . He said the announcement will follow after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge returns from Bengaluru , after which further deliberations will take place with the top leadership, including Sonia Gandhi.

Muraleedharan noted that the Congress is trying to arrive at a consensus-based decision after holding extensive consultations, even though the UDF secured a strong mandate of 102 seats in the 140-member Kerala Assembly , with the Congress itself winning 63 seats along with allies such as the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) , Kerala Congress (KEC), and the RSP.

The delay is being attributed to multiple factors, including the need to balance internal factional equations , accommodate the views of UDF alliance partners , and assess broader political and electoral implications . The leadership has not restricted consultations to MLAs alone but has also sought inputs from former KPCC presidents, working presidents, senior leaders, and observers , in an effort to ensure wider acceptance.

The three main contenders for the post of Chief Minister are senior leaders Ramesh Chennithala, V D Satheesan, and AICC general secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal .

Each camp has put forward its own argument. The Satheesan camp claims he enjoys strong grassroots support and backing from key UDF allies such as the IUML. The Venugopal camp asserts that he has majority backing among MLAs and MPs and is seen as a strong organisational strategist, though his elevation could necessitate two by-elections , including one Lok Sabha seat. The Chennithala camp, meanwhile, highlights his seniority, experience, and long-standing loyalty to the party, arguing that he represents stability.

The Congress is also taking into account the views of UDF partners , particularly the IUML, which is seen as reflecting wider public sentiment within the coalition. Some leaders have stressed that the decision is not based solely on MLA preferences but also on public opinion and alliance considerations .

With discussions nearing completion, party sources indicated that the leadership is now in the final stage of decision-making , and an announcement is expected shortly after further internal consultations at the highest level involving Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge.