Congress yet to name chief minister, Kerala suspense on

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KPCC president Sunny Joseph on Sunday said AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will soon announce the next chief minister of Kerala from among the three contenders who have already been "interviewed" by the party's top leadership.

Speaking to the media after returning from New Delhi, where discussions were held between the Congress high command and the three CM aspirants, Joseph said he did not see the need for another round of talks with state netas on the issue.





"Everyone has been asked to refrain from controversial moves," Joseph said, declining to specify a date for the announcement.

Also read: Congress struggles for consensus as CM hopefuls push claims; party warns Kerala netas over protests

Asked if the matter would be discussed with UDF constituents, Joseph said the decision rested with the Congress leadership. Party sources said consultations involving Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and veteran Congressman A K Antony are expected to play a decisive role in the selection process.

Meanwhile, the camps backing the three contenders - K C Venugopal, V D Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala - remain optimistic, each convinced that the final decision could tilt in their favour.

Also read: ‘Kaun Banega Kerala CM?’: Suspense lingers as Congress camps backing K C Venugopal and V D Satheesan intensify lobbying

The Venugopal camp is understood to be confident that the Congress leadership will attach importance to the majority opinion within the Congress Legislature Party.

The Satheesan camp argues that strong public sentiment and the backing of several UDF constituent partners have strengthened his prospects.

Both Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala are said to be satisfied with the opportunity given by the high command to present their claims in detail. Chennithala, in particular, is believed to be relying on his seniority and long political experience, hoping that the leadership may finally recognise his claim this time.