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Congress High Command to Pick Next Kerala CM: Ramesh Chennithala

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala stated that the party's high command will make the final decision on Kerala's next Chief Minister after observers submit their report. Chennithala is a key contender alongside VD Satheesan and KC Venugopal for the top post. Congress has appointed Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik as observers to gather views from newly-elected MLAs. The UDF won a commanding 102 seats in the 140-member assembly, with Congress securing 63 seats as the single largest party.

Key Points: Kerala CM Race: Congress High Command to Decide Next Leader

  • Congress high command to finalize Kerala CM choice
  • Observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik to survey MLAs
  • Chennithala, VD Satheesan, KC Venugopal are key contenders
  • UDF won 102 seats in 140-member assembly
2 min read

"Observers will visit first, high command to take final decision": Ramesh Chennithala on Keralam's next CM

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala says party observers will report to high command for final decision on Kerala's next Chief Minister after UDF's landslide win.

"Whatever the high command decides, all the Congress leaders will accept it. - Ramesh Chennithala"

Thiruvananthapuram, May 6

As the speculation on Keralam's next Chief Minister grows, Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Wednesday said that the party's observer will create a detailed report on which the top leadership will make a decision.

Ramesh Chennithala is among the key contenders in the race for Keralam's top position, alongside Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan and Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal.

Speaking to reporters, Chennithala said, "The party will take a final decision on all these issues. In Keralam, we got a spectacular victory... Now, the other things will be decided by the Congress high command. There are several leaders in the Congress party, but whatever the high command decides, all the Congress leaders will accept it."

Congress has begun the process of government formation in Keralam where the party-led UDF registered a thumping victory in the assembly polls, winning 102 seats in 140 member assembly.

Sources said that the party has appointed its leaders, Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik, as observers to know the views of its newly-elected MLAs to decide the choice of Chief Minister.

Earlier, KC Venugopal expressed his gratitude to the people of Keralam, stating, "The people of Kerala have bestowed their faith in the Congress party and UDF alliance. They have faith in the leadership of Rahul Gandhi and Kharge ji."

The UDF's win has been seen as a major political shift in the state, reflecting the growing support for Congress and its allies, while reinforcing the party's influence under the guidance of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.

Meanwhile, posters of Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal were put up along Trivandrum Road on Tuesday as part of celebrations following the Congress-led United Democratic Front's (UDF) sweeping victory in the Keralam Assembly 2026 elections, even as speculation intensifies over the alliance's chief ministerial candidate.

The UDF secured a commanding 102 seats in the 140-member Assembly with the declaration of the results of the April 9 elections on Monday, marking a decisive mandate and a significant political shift in the state after a decade. The Congress emerged as the single largest party within the alliance with 63 seats, while its key ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), won 22 seats.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

V
Vikram M
With 102 seats, UDF has a massive mandate. The high command needs to choose someone who can unite all factions and deliver on development. Personally, I think KC Venugopal's experience at the national level would be valuable, but Chennithala has strong grassroots connect. Tough choice for the observers! 🧐
R
Rahul R
Chennithala said "whatever high command decides, we will accept it" - this is the kind of party discipline we need. Compare that to some other parties where leaders fight openly for the post. Kerala has spoken clearly for UDF, now it's time for mature decision-making. 🙏
J
James A
Interesting to see a state with such a strong Left tradition shift to Congress-led UDF. The high command should consider not just who is popular among MLAs, but who can best take on the challenges Kerala faces - education, healthcare, and industrial growth. Looking forward to whom they pick. 👀
K
Kavya N
While I'm happy for UDF's victory, I hope the focus remains on governance and not just power-sharing. Kerala needs stability after the previous government's controversies. Chennithala, Satheesan, or Venugopal - all capable, but the person chosen should prioritize the people's welfare above everything else. 🤔
A
Aman W
I think Chennithala is being modest here. He knows he's a strong contender but is letting the process play out. VD Satheesan has also done commendable work as opposition leader. Whoever becomes CM, the real challenge will be meeting the high expectations of the people who

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