Kerala CM selection: MP K Sudhakaran heads to Delhi as talks reach final stage

Kannur (Kerala): Following the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) decisive victory in the Keralam Assembly elections, former KPCC president and Kannur MP K Sudhakaran has departed for New Delhi to engage in high-level consultations with the Congress high command. The visit comes amid a persistent deadlock over who will lead the state as the next Chief Minister.

While the senior leader remained elusive regarding specific names, he expressed confidence in the resolution process.

Speaking to the press before his flight, Sudhakaran briefly remarked that he expects to return "happy and smiling", though he declined to elaborate further on the internal leadership race.

Democratic consultations and new leadership

Sudhakaran is part of a larger delegation of Kerala Congress stalwarts attending a crucial All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting. Senior leader K Muraleedharan emphasised that a final announcement is imminent, likely within the next 48 hours.

"I think within 48 hours, the decision will come. Congress is a democratic party, so they will apply all democratic methods - discuss with MLAs, coalition partners, and tomorrow they will discuss with former PCC Presidents... a new generation is coming up for the CM position, so automatically there will be disputes, discussions, its natural..." Muraleedharan told reporters.

Other leaders, including V M Sudheeran and M M Hassan, confirmed they were summoned to brief the central leadership on the local political climate. Sudheeran noted, "According to general secretary, AICC, Deepa Dasmunshi's message, I'll be going to Delhi... the leadership wanted us to brief them about the situation in Keralam."

Criticism from the Opposition

The delay in government formation despite the UDF securing 102 out of 140 seats has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP. Newly elected Kazhakootam MLA V Muraleedharan alleged that the Congress is prioritising internal power struggles over the welfare of the electorate.

"It shows the Congress does not care for the people of the state. Even after getting a massive mandate, the Congress couldn't come up with a name unanimously. It shows Congressmen are after power and not for the people," the BJP leader stated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also weighed in, accusing the Congress of being bogged down by internal disputes. In response, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala defended the timeline, pointing out that the BJP has previously taken significant time for similar appointments and asserting that “The Indian National Congress is a democratic party, not an authoritarian one”.

ANI