Congress to Decide Kerala CM Candidate Within 24 Hours Amid Intense Lobbying
The Indian National Congress is expected to announce its choice for the next Chief Minister of Kerala within 24 hours, following a decisive victory by the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the state Assembly elections. Senior leader K Muraleedharan confirmed that the party high command in Delhi is finalizing discussions, considering inputs from newly elected MLAs and coalition partners. The decision involves three primary contenders: V.D. Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and K.C. Venugopal. Intense lobbying efforts have emerged across the state, with supporters of each candidate organizing demonstrations and displaying flex boards to pressure the leadership. Muraleedharan emphasized that public campaigns alone would not dictate the outcome, noting that seniority is not the sole criterion for selection. Key leaders, including Satheesan, Chennithala, and KPCC president Sunny Joseph, have arrived in the national capital for crucial talks with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The appointment of two observers to gather MLA opinions has further accelerated the process, shifting the focus to Delhi as the party aims to resolve the leadership question promptly to facilitate government formation in the coalition-driven political landscape.
Wire timeline
Congress to Decide Kerala CM Candidate Within 24 Hours Amid Intense Lobbying
The Indian National Congress is expected to announce its choice for the next Chief Minister of Kerala within 24 hours, following a decisive victory by the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the state Assembly elections. Senior leader K Muraleedharan confirmed that the party high command in Delhi is finalizing discussions, considering inputs from newly elected MLAs and coalition partners. The decision involves three primary contenders: V.D. Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and K.C. Venugopal. Intense lobbying efforts have emerged across the state, with supporters of each candidate organizing demonstrations and displaying flex boards to pressure the leadership. Muraleedharan emphasized that public campaigns alone would not dictate the outcome, noting that seniority is not the sole criterion for selection. Key leaders, including Satheesan, Chennithala, and KPCC president Sunny Joseph, have arrived in the national capital for crucial talks with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The appointment of two observers to gather MLA opinions has further accelerated the process, shifting the focus to Delhi as the party aims to resolve the leadership question promptly to facilitate government formation in the coalition-driven political landscape.
India Today | Latest Stories