UDF set to decide today after ‘quick’ 10-day talks: Will Kerala CM announcement be delayed again?

Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress party is expected to announce its choice for the next Kerala chief minister today, marking a key step towards ending a ten-day leadership uncertainty following the state assembly election results. The decision is likely to be taken at the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting in Thiruvananthapuram.

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) secured a decisive victory in the Kerala elections with 102 seats, of which the Congress alone won 63. Despite this strong mandate, the alliance has been unable to finalise its chief ministerial candidate due to competing claims within the party.

Three leaders in contention

The race for the top post is primarily between three senior leaders — KC Venugopal, VD Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala. Each has strong backing from different sections of the party. Over the past several days, informal lobbying and internal discussions have intensified as the leadership weighs political balance, legislative support, and public perception.

Senior Congress leadership, including Rahul Gandhi and other AICC functionaries, has held multiple rounds of consultations with Kerala leaders. Party observers have also interacted with newly elected MLAs to assess preferences before arriving at a consensus. Leaders have indicated that the consultation process has now been completed, paving the way for a final decision.

CLP meeting to formalise decision

The crucial Congress Legislature Party meeting in Thiruvananthapuram is expected to formally propose and approve the name of the next chief minister. Party observers are likely to present the high command’s decision, after which it will be ratified by the MLAs.

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key UDF partner, has expressed concern over the delay and urged the Congress to conclude the decision-making process quickly. The ally has stressed that prolonged uncertainty could affect the momentum of the newly formed mandate.

With the outgoing administration functioning in a caretaker capacity, the Congress is under pressure to ensure a smooth transition and form a new cabinet without further delay. The leadership choice is also expected to influence internal party unity and governance stability in the coming term.