Thiruvananthapuram: Indications are that the decision on who will become Kerala’s Chief Minister will be announced only by Thursday evening. The announcement has been delayed as the chartered flight carrying leaders, including Deepa Das Munshi, from Delhi is running late.

The Congress high command’s answer on who will become the Chief Minister is expected to arrive today on a chartered flight. AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala, Deepa Das Munshi, along with her team, is expected to fly in from Delhi carrying the high command’s decision in a four-seater chartered aircraft.

Will the Chief Minister be KC Venugopal, who is also expected to arrive on the same flight? Or will it be VD Satheesan, who left his residence for Thiruvananthapuram this morning? If neither of them, could it be Ramesh Chennithala, who says he has not yet received any official communication?

Meanwhile, reports suggest that once the leader is officially elected at the Legislature Party meeting, the alliance may meet the Governor today itself to stake claim to form the government.

If KC Venugopal is chosen as Chief Minister, the high command is expected to inform VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala of the decision before the legislature party meeting, and explain any formula worked out.

At the same time, V D Satheesan has left for Thiruvananthapuram to attend the Legislature Party meeting. Leaders of the constituent parties are also heading to the capital. The UDF Legislature Party meeting is expected to be held later today.

Questions are also being raised about whether, if KC is not chosen, a name suggested by him would be accepted instead. If he steps aside, could that improve the chances of Ramesh Chennithala, who is believed to have KC’s support? Will KC’s camp be given assurances regarding ministerial positions? There is also growing curiosity over what kind of compromise formula acceptable to KC might eventually emerge.

Meanwhile, talks held on Thursday morning between KC Venugopal and Rahul Gandhi have concluded, and the latter is expected to reach Kerala by a chartered flight. The discussions, held at Rahul Gandhi’s residence in New Delhi, lasted for nearly an hour.

It is learnt that the alliance will meet the Governor today itself to stake claim to form the government after the announcement of the chief minister candidate. The KPCC president spoke with Raj Bhavan and confirmed that the Governor will be available throughout the day.