Amid differing opinions within the UDF regarding its potential Chief Ministerial candidate, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said that the party high command will select the Chief Minister after consulting the newly elected MLAs.
Speaking to mediapersons here, Tharoor said the decision on the next Chief Minister of Kerala will be taken after the Assembly election results are declared, in accordance with established party procedures. He also ruled himself out of contention, noting that he is not a candidate and that the Chief Minister must be an elected MLA.
He remarked that discussions on leadership should follow electoral success, saying, “The need to buy furniture comes after the building is constructed.”
Expressing confidence in the UDF’s prospects, Tharoor said the alliance is likely to secure a comfortable majority in Kerala. “There will be a comfortable majority for the UDF. If the UDF wins in Kerala, it will have a national impact,” he said.
Tharoor also reiterated his allegation of a “CPM–BJP understanding.”
Meanwhile, the names of V. D. Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala have emerged as leading contenders for the Chief Minister’s post.
Leaders including P. J. Kurien and K. Sudhakaran have publicly supported Chennithala, while Ernakulam DCC president Muhammed Shias recently backed Satheesan for the role.