Congress deliberates Kerala CM choice amidst contender tussle

The Indian National Congress is currently navigating the critical decision of who will be its next Chief Minister in Kerala, following a resounding victory for the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the recent assembly elections. The process has become a focal point of political discourse, with intense deliberations underway in Delhi involving top party leadership and the key contenders. The three prominent figures in contention are V.D. Satheesan, the outgoing Leader of Opposition; Ramesh Chennithala, a former Leader of Opposition and minister; and K.C. Venugopal, the AICC General Secretary (Organisation). These leaders have been summoned to the national capital to engage in discussions with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi, who are expected to make the final call. The selection process has been characterized by a significant degree of internal competition, with supporters of the respective contenders engaging in public displays of their allegiances. This has manifested as a 'poster war' across Kerala, with banners and hoardings advocating for each candidate, underscoring the factional dynamics within the state unit of the Congress. While the party leadership aims to present a united front, these public displays highlight the underlying tensions and the complex negotiations involved in the decision-making. Formal procedures have seen the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in Kerala pass a resolution authorizing the All India Congress Committee (AICC) high command to select the leader of the legislative party. This resolution was moved during CLP meetings attended by AICC observers, Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken, who have since submitted a detailed report of their consultations with the newly elected MLAs and party MPs to the central leadership. The report is understood to contain the preferences of the legislators, alongside feedback from alliance partners. Notably, Shashi Tharoor, the Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram and a prominent Congress figure, has also met with Mallikarjun Kharge. While Tharoor has consistently stated that he is not in the fray for the Chief Minister's post, emphasizing that the decision rests with the high command and elected MLAs, his meetings have added an element of intrigue to the ongoing discussions. He has positioned himself as a statesman available for advice and suggestions. His participation in campaign activities across Kerala has been acknowledged, and his views are considered significant within party circles. The AICC leadership is reportedly keen to ensure unity within the party following the selection, with assurances from leaders like K. Muraleedharan that there will be no revolts. The party aims to avoid public divisions and arrive at a formula that is acceptable to all factions. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the expectation that a final decision is imminent, potentially within 24 hours of the main deliberations. The outcome of these discussions will determine who will lead the UDF government in Kerala, marking the end of a decade-long rule by the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

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