The suspense over Kerala’s next Chief Minister continues as the Congress high command failed to reach a final decision during an extended round of discussions in New Delhi on Saturday. Despite top leaders holding nearly three hours of talks with the frontrunners, the deadlock remains unresolved. The party leadership is taking extra care to balance internal interests following the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) massive electoral victory in the state.
During the meeting, senior leader Rahul Gandhi reportedly expressed his displeasure over the public show of factionalism and aggressive lobbying for the top post. He warned that such internal unrest was tarnishing the mandate given by the people. Sources indicate that Gandhi was unhappy that the power struggle began almost immediately after the results were announced, and he urged the state leadership to rein in their supporters and end the public demonstrations.
AICC general secretary and state in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi confirmed that all newly elected Congress MLAs have signed a one-line resolution authorizing the high command to take the final call. The ultimate decision now rests with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Key stakeholders, including V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala, and KPCC chief Sunny Joseph, participated in the deliberations at Kharge’s residence.
While supporters of the various contenders have been holding roadshows and putting up posters across Kerala, senior leader K Muraleedharan cautioned that these displays of strength would not influence the high command’s choice. He stated that the views of coalition partners and the seniority of the candidates are being considered, and an official announcement is expected within the next 24 hours. (TNIE)
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