New Delhi: Reports suggest that KC Venugopal remains ahead even in the final round of discussions over who will become Kerala’s next Chief Minister. Sources close to the party indicate that the announcement will not be delayed and could come either today or tomorrow, with the high command fast-tracking procedures. The latest indications are that the Congress leadership is primarily considering which leader has the support of the maximum number of MLAs among the 63 legislators.

It is also learnt that discussions regarding the matter were held last night between Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Sources from Delhi say only some formal consultations with Sonia Gandhi remain, and that alliance partners are unlikely to oppose the high command’s final decision.

Discussions are also underway on whether the announcement should be made in Kerala or in Delhi. If it is made in Delhi, either Rahul Gandhi or Mallikarjun Kharge is expected to announce it. If the decision is announced in Kerala, a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party may be convened and the high command’s decision conveyed there.

Though there had earlier been reports that a Deputy Chief Minister post might be created as part of a reconciliation formula, sources close to the high command now indicate that such a possibility appears unlikely. Instead, the leadership may try to accommodate dissenting leaders by offering them important cabinet portfolios.

If the reports prove correct, this would mark KC Venugopal’s return to state politics after 17 years. Sources also suggest that the high command has not given much weight to public sentiment or the interests of coalition partners in making its decision.

Traditionally, the Congress high command selects the Chief Minister based on the support enjoyed by leaders within the legislature party. Reports indicating that a majority of MLAs support KC Venugopal had been circulating for some time. It was following these developments that VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala were summoned to Delhi for discussions.

After holding discussions with each leader and hearing their views, the leaders were reportedly sent back to Kerala with the assurance that a final decision would be taken after consultations with the central leadership. Since then, the Congress party has not officially disclosed any details regarding the subsequent discussions. However, sources close to the high command maintain that the Chief Ministerial announcement is likely within a day or two.