Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications, Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday said that the party high-command has completed all discussions regarsing the CM face of Kerala and a decision will be formally announced on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
“As authorised by the members of the CLP in Kerala, the high command of Congress has completed all discussions. The decision on who the next CM of Kerala will be announced tomorrow,” Ramesh said.
The development comes more than a week after the Congress-led UDF swept the Kerala Assembly polls with a commanding majority.
The Kerala CM race saw days of intense lobbying and infighting within the Kerala Congress, with Senior leaders Ramesh Chennithala, VD Satheeshan and KC Venugopal Rao competing for the top post.
What was expected to be a smooth transition after the UDF’s emphatic return to power, turned into a prolonged political wait, prompting central leadership, including Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to hold extensive discussions with the state unit leaders.
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.
Earlier today, Kerala Congress President Sunny Joseph had said that the final announcement will be made from Delhi.
Joseph said that Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s hospitalisation delayed the decision.
“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.