Congress calls ex-chiefs of Kerala unit to brainstorm on next CM

NEW DELHI: Congress Monday enlarged the consultation process to finalise the new chief minister of Kerala, amid growing suspense in the wake of a tussle for the top job between AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and leader of opposition V D Satheesan.

The party has called former state presidents - K Sudhakaran, K Muraleedharan, V M Sudheeran, M M Hassan - and some other state leaders for discussions with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi Tuesday.

The top brass will speak to another former state chief Mullapally Ramachandran over the phone as he is unable to come to Delhi.

It is assumed that Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has also given her views on the subject, as also veteran AK Antony.

The heightened anticipation is accompanied by speculations that Venugopal is likely to get the Kerala assignment. A Rahul Gandhi confidant, Venugopal has pitched his case by virtue of having the largest contingent of MLAs backing him.

Satheesan, who spearheaded the party's charge against the Left front govt, is said to have told the leadership that he will not join the state govt if he is not made the CM.

The prolonged consultations suggest that the party fears a blowback in leaving out Satheesan, and is taking the pains to ensure that the final nominee is well received. Many on social media have threatened protests, while others have said that any CM other than Satheesan would take the sheen off the landslide victory of UDF.

Muraleedharan told reporters that the party will take a decision on the CM by Wednesday.