Kerala CM selection: High command faces tough challenge after UDF’s landslide victory

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala has made a spectacular comeback by winning 102 seats in the 140-member Assembly, defeating the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF).

However, this historic victory has triggered a major challenge for the Congress high command in finalising the Chief Minister’s post.

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It is learnt that the high command has entered into crucial discussions to decide the next Chief Minister of Kerala. Leaders of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) will hold consultations soon to arrive at a decision. The party leadership aims to announce the Chief Minister within a week.

AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing Assembly V.D. Satheesan, and former KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala are the top contenders for the Chief Minister’s post.

Supporters of K.C. Venugopal claim that he enjoys the backing of a majority of MLAs. They also expect more MPs and senior leaders to rally behind him.

V.D. Satheesan faction maintains that the Chief Minister should not be decided merely based on the number of supporting MLAs. They oppose the idea of selecting the Chief Minister through a simple headcount.

This group has initiated efforts to keep allies on board. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has already declared its support for Satheesan. There are also indications that Satheesan may take a tough stand if he is not chosen for the post.

The Ramesh Chennithala faction argues that seniority should be given priority in selecting the Chief Minister. Chennithala holds the highest seniority among all the aspirants.

Speaking to Malayalam media, he stated that in 2011, he had suggested the name of Oommen Chandy for Chief Minister, considering his seniority. He is now signalling that since he once upheld seniority to maintain party unity, the same principle should apply to him.

The high command is likely to send observers to assess the sentiments of the newly elected MLAs. It is learnt that Congress leaders loyal to the high command will be deputed to Kerala for this purpose.

The team will seek the views of each MLA and report back to the leadership. Subsequently, the leadership will also consult MPs and senior leaders, including former KPCC presidents. The observers will then submit a report to the high command, based on which the Chief Minister will be announced.

Meanwhile, some senior Congress leaders have suggested that Rahul Gandhi should directly intervene in the selection process from the outset and help build consensus on the Chief Minister’s post.