Kerala CM suspense may end tomorrow; Congress says discussions over, announcement expected from Delhi

Kerala Congress chief Sunny Joseph attributed the delay to Sonia Gandhi’s hospitalisation.

Kerala CM suspense may end tomorrow; Congress says discussions over, announcement expected from Delhi

The suspense on next Kerala Chief Minister is likely to end today, with State Congress President Sunny Joseph claiming that all discussions have been completed and a final announcement will be made from Delhi on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters in Kerala, Joseph said that Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s hospitalisation delayed the decision.

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“We expect the Chief Minister’s name to be announced today. It is understood that all discussions have been completed. We are waiting for the announcement today. Sonia Gandhi was in the hospital, so there could be a slight delay because of that. The Chief Minister’s name will be announced from Delhi,” he said.

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More than a week after the Congress-led UDF swept the Kerala Assembly polls with a commanding majority, the alliance is still waiting for clarity on who will lead the next government.

What was expected to be a smooth transition after the UDF’s emphatic return to power, turned into a prolonged political wait, with three contenders competing for the top post.

According to reports, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal is believed to have edged past senior leaders Ramesh Chennithala and VD Satheeshan.

KC Venugopal is understood to enjoy significant backing within the party leadership and among a large section of newly elected MLAs.

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