Malappuram: Discussions within the Congress over who would become Chief Minister if the UDF comes to power had begun well in advance. With vote counting scheduled for May 4 and exit polls indicating a likely UDF victory, the Indian Union Muslim League has now extended indirect support to VD Satheesan for the top post.

IUML president Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal told media that UDF decisions would be taken by taking public sentiment into account. “What we see in surveys is the opinion of the people. The UDF will move forward by considering public sentiment, including the formation of the Cabinet,” he said.

Exit polls show that VD Satheesan has received the highest support for the Chief Minister’s post within the UDF. The League leader’s response—stressing the need to consider public opinion in deciding the Chief Minister—comes in this context.

The Muslim League’s stance has often been decisive in matters such as leadership changes within the UDF. Therefore, this indirect backing for Satheesan, framed as respect for “public sentiment,” could play a crucial role in determining who becomes Chief Minister.

The League leadership had earlier indicated that it had a clear understanding regarding the Chief Ministerial choice and would communicate it to the Congress high command and state leadership at the appropriate time.

The IUML has long-standing ties with Ramesh Chennithala and has had no particular issues with KC Venugopal either. Until about six months ago, the League maintained a neutral stance, indicating that either Satheesan or Chennithala could become Chief Minister. However, following the exit poll results, the preference appears to have shifted towards Satheesan.