• Source:JND

After a massive victory in the Keralam Assembly elections, the United Democratic Front (UDF) led by the Congress is now focused on deciding who will become the next Chief Minister of the state. The final decision is expected from the party high command amid ongoing strong speculation in the political circles.

Congress High Command To Take Final Call

The discussion has further intensified after a key meeting was held at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi on Saturday. Senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi and other AICC observers also took part in discussions to decide the next steps. After the Kerala Congress meeting, state in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi said the final decision on leadership will be taken by the high command in due course, and the party is waiting for it.

Who Are Top Contenders?

The UDF won 102 seats in the 140-member Keralam Assembly, ending 10 years of rule by the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Three main leaders are being considered for the Chief Minister’s post, including Ramesh Chennithala, V D Satheesan, and KC Venugopal. It is reported that all three have strong support within different groups of the party.

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AICC observer Mukul Wasnik said that all Keralam Congress MLAs have passed a one-line resolution authorising the high command to take the final decision. One of the top contenders, Ramesh Chennithala also commented about the Congress meeting, stating that it was “good” and went for 4 hours. On being asked about speculation around his name, Chennithala replied, “Everyone’s name was discussed.”

He added, “The meeting went on for 4 hours. It was a good meeting. All leaders expressed their opinions to the Congress president as well as Rahul Gandhi. Our high command will make a decision.”

Poster Wars Erupt

At the same time, there is visible activity within the Congress, including a poster war among supporters of the three contenders. According to a Hindustan Times report, supporters of Satheesan held marches from the Palayam Martyrs’ Memorial in Thiruvananthapuram, while posters of Venugopal were put up along Trivandrum Road. Similarly, in Idukki, supporters of Chennithala put up hoardings.

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Earlier on Friday, speaking to news agency ANI, Keralam Congress President Sunny Joseph had reacted to the poster war within the party. He said, "It is unnecessary... They should keep away from these kinds of canvassing."


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