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Congress Nears Decision on Kerala CM After Key Meeting at Kharge's Home

Discussions to choose Kerala's next Chief Minister began at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's residence. Rahul Gandhi and AICC observers participated in the crucial meeting. The three main contenders—Ramesh Chennithala, V.D. Satheesan, and K.C. Venugopal—are present for the final consultations. The party leadership aims to reach a consensus without causing public divisions.

Key Points: Congress to Announce Kerala CM Soon After Kharge Meet

  • Meeting at Kharge's residence to finalize Kerala CM
  • Rahul Gandhi, Mukul Wasnik, Ajay Maken attend
  • Three main contenders: Chennithala, Satheesan, Venugopal
  • Party aims to avoid public divisions and reach consensus
2 min read

Discussions underway at Kharge's residence as Congress to announce next Kerala CM

Congress leaders met at Mallikarjun Kharge's residence to finalize the next Kerala Chief Minister. Rahul Gandhi & top contenders attend crucial discussions.

"The party leadership is keen to avoid any public divisions and is working towards evolving a formula acceptable to all factions. - Congress sources"

New Delhi, May 9

The decisive round of discussions to choose Kerala's next Chief Minister got underway on Saturday at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi, with the party high command initiating what is expected to be the final phase of consultations before announcing the party's leadership choice in the state.

Senior party leaders and All India Congress Committee (AICC) observers deputed by the Congress leadership arrived at Kharge's residence amid intense political activity and growing factional lobbying within the party.

The meeting assumes enormous significance as the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) prepares to return to power in Kerala after scripting a massive electoral victory in the Assembly polls.

Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, AICC observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken, along with AICC General Secretary Incharge of Kerala Deepa Dasmunsi, are participating in the discussions aimed at arriving at a consensus candidate for the Kerala Chief Minister's post.

The three principal contenders -- veteran Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, and Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal have also reached Kharge's residence, signalling the beginning of high stakes deliberation that could shape the future course of the party in Kerala.

Saturday's discussions come against the backdrop of intense pressure from various camps within the Congress, particularly after supporters of Satheesan openly protested in parts of Kerala demanding that he be elevated as the Chief Minister of Kerala.

At the same time, Chennithala's experience and organisational grounding continue to weigh heavily in internal deliberations, while Venugopal's emergence as a serious Chief Ministerial contender has dramatically altered the equations within the party over the past few days.

Congress sources indicated that the party leadership is keen to avoid any public divisions and is working towards evolving a formula acceptable to all factions.

However, with each of the three leaders commanding significant backing within the Legislature Party and organisational structure, the final decision is being closely guarded by the Congress high command.

All eyes are now on Kharge and the Congress leadership as Kerala awaits clarity on who will lead the new government.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As someone from Kerala, I feel V.D. Satheesan deserves this chance. He has been a strong Opposition leader and is connected with the common people. But knowing Congress, they might go with Chennithala's seniority. Either way, please ensure no factionalism later. 🙏
J
James A
Interesting to see how the Gandhi family is managing this from Delhi. Rahul Gandhi's presence shows this is a priority. But all this lobbying in public doesn't look good for the party's image in Kerala. Hope they resolve it quickly.
K
Kavya N
Honestly, K.C. Venugopal is a dark horse! 😲 He has been working behind the scenes in Delhi and is very close to the high command. If he becomes CM, it will be a big surprise. But I trust Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to make the right call for Kerala's development.
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Michael C
Classic Congress style - celebrate victory by fighting among themselves. 😅 The people of Kerala voted for change and development, not internal power struggles. The high command better sort this out fast or the BJP will have a field day mocking them.
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Sneha F
I am happy the UDF won but this CM selection process is so frustrating. 🤦‍♀️ Congress needs to show unity. My vote is for Chennithala - he has the experience to handle Kerala's economy and relations with the Centre. But whoever wins, please focus on education and healthcare.

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