Congress High Command to Decide Kerala Chief Minister After CLP Passes Resolution
The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in Kerala on Thursday adopted a one-line resolution authorising the party high command to appoint the next Chief Minister, as internal consultations intensified after the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) victory in the state Assembly elections.
The decision was taken during a meeting of newly elected Congress MLAs at Indira Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram. The resolution gives Mallikarjun Kharge the authority to make the final decision on the selection of the CLP leader, who will subsequently be sworn in as Chief Minister.
Central Observers Begin Consultations
Senior Congress leaders and central observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik attended the meeting and later held consultations with newly elected MLAs to assess leadership preferences within the party.
The resolution was proposed by Sunny Joseph and supported by Opposition leader V D Satheesan.
According to party sources, the observers are also expected to consult leaders from UDF alliance partners before submitting a report to the Congress leadership in New Delhi.
Leadership Race Intensifies Within Congress
The process of selecting the next Chief Minister has triggered significant lobbying among senior Congress leaders in the state.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the observers, K Muraleedharan said the party leadership was expected to announce its decision by Sunday.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader K Sudhakaran reportedly submitted a letter supporting K C Venugopal for the Chief Minister’s post.
Sudhakaran also remarked that there were “many Satheesans” within the Congress, a statement widely interpreted as opposition to projecting a single dominant contender for the role.
Rahul Gandhi Calls for Merit-Based Decision
Party sources indicated that Rahul Gandhi had advised leaders not to be influenced by factional considerations and stressed that the selection should be based on merit and organisational interests.
Senior Congress figures, including V M Sudheeran, P J Kurien and Kodikunnil Suresh, also met the observers during the consultation process.
Unofficial indications emerging from the discussions suggest that around 45 MLAs expressed support for K C Venugopal, while smaller groups reportedly backed V D Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala. Some MLAs are said to have remained neutral.
Why the Decision Matters
The selection of Kerala’s next Chief Minister is significant for the Congress as the party looks to consolidate its position after the UDF’s electoral success. The leadership decision is also expected to shape the party’s political direction in the state ahead of future national and regional contests.
The Congress high command is likely to take a final call after reviewing feedback from MLAs and alliance partners over the coming days.
Inputs & Images: Hindusthan Samachar
Edited by: Pushkarini Annabathula
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Last Updated on: Thursday, May 7, 2026 6:14 pm by Pushkarini Annabathula | Published by: Pushkarini Annabathula on Thursday, May 7, 2026 6:14 pm | News Categories: Latest
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