Congress High Command Fails to Resolve Kerala CM Impasse After Three-Hour Meeting
The Indian National Congress has failed to resolve the deadlock over selecting the Chief Minister for Kerala following a three-hour consultation meeting held on May 9, 2026. Party President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi met with the three main contenders: K.C. Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala, and V.D. Satheesan, along with KPCC president Sunny Joseph. Despite intense discussions, no consensus was reached. Deepa Dasmunsi, the AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala, stated that the high command has until May 23 to finalize the candidate. Senior leaders expressed visible dismay over aggressive poster wars and public marches by supporters, which they deemed damaging to the party's image. Consequently, workers were instructed to remove unauthorized banners and posters. The high command indicated that no further consultations with aspirants would occur, with the final decision to be based on factional claims, MLA-designate views, and United Democratic Front constituents' opinions. The contenders continue to assert their claims based on legislative support, electoral victory leadership, and seniority, respectively.
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Congress High Command Fails to Resolve Kerala CM Impasse After Three-Hour Meeting
The Indian National Congress has failed to resolve the deadlock over selecting the Chief Minister for Kerala following a three-hour consultation meeting held on May 9, 2026. Party President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi met with the three main contenders: K.C. Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala, and V.D. Satheesan, along with KPCC president Sunny Joseph. Despite intense discussions, no consensus was reached. Deepa Dasmunsi, the AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala, stated that the high command has until May 23 to finalize the candidate. Senior leaders expressed visible dismay over aggressive poster wars and public marches by supporters, which they deemed damaging to the party's image. Consequently, workers were instructed to remove unauthorized banners and posters. The high command indicated that no further consultations with aspirants would occur, with the final decision to be based on factional claims, MLA-designate views, and United Democratic Front constituents' opinions. The contenders continue to assert their claims based on legislative support, electoral victory leadership, and seniority, respectively.
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