Thiruvananthapuram: In a key move to finalise the next government, newly elected Congress MLAs in Kerala have unanimously passed a resolution empowering the Congress president to select the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP).

The announcement was made on Thursday by AICC observer Mukul Wasnik following a series of high-level meetings in the state capital. The move comes in the wake of the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) resounding victory in the Kerala Assembly elections, where the alliance unseated the LDF by securing 102 seats.

"All Congress MLAs unanimously passed a resolution authorising the Congress president to appoint the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party in Kerala. Subsequently, we held one-on-one discussions with all the MLAs, trying to understand their thoughts and opinions," Wasnik said. He noted that the observers, including Ajay Maken, are returning to Delhi to submit a comprehensive report to the party leadership.

High Command to take final call

While the state unit has voiced its preferences, senior leaders emphasised that the ultimate decision rests with the national leadership. Congress MP K Suresh remarked, "Everything depends upon the High Command. They are taking our opinions collectively and individually. But the final decision has to be taken by the Congress High Command."

MP Jebi Mather echoed this sentiment, highlighting the party's patience after a decade in the opposition. “Once the High Command declares its decision, the leaders and workers of Kerala will accept that decision,” she stated, adding that the arrival of a Congress Chief Minister is the most anticipated outcome for the people.

Allies weigh in

The observers also met with UDF alliance partners. RSP MP N K Premachandran described the talks as a "formal consultation regarding the political situation in Keralam”, clarifying that specific names for the Chief Minister's post were not discussed in their session. RSP leader Shibu Baby John added that the meeting was a cordial exchange following the alliance's "emphatic win”.

The Congress emerged as the dominant force within the UDF with 63 seats, supported by the Indian Union Muslim League’s (IUML) 22 seats. The final leadership announcement is expected shortly after the observers brief the Congress president in New Delhi.

ANI