Seven days after receiving the voters' mandate in Kerala, the Congress high command remains in a deadlock over the selection of the next chief minister. With both Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi away from Delhi, discussions on deciding the CM are likely to be delayed further.
LoP Rahul Gandhi was in Chennai on Sunday for the swearing-in ceremony of Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay, while Kharge was in Karnataka. The CM talks would only resume after Kharge reaches Delhi on Monday evening or Tuesday morning.
Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal, state Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan and senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala are the top contenders for the post.
As a decision remains elusive, the high command is now likely to consult senior party leaders, including former CM A.K. Antony. Reports suggest that Priyanka Gandhi, currently representing Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, will also join the deliberations, and her opinion is expected to be pivotal. Along with her, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi will also play a decisive role in the final selection of the CM.
There is also a speculation that Venugopal would be considered for an even more prominent position within Congress if he is not given the CM post.
While a majority of the MLAs back Venugopal, Satheesan holds the popularity vote, and Chennithala remains the frontrunner in terms of seniority.
The AICC observers—Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik—had already submitted their report to Kharge after their meeting with MLAs and senior leaders.
In Kerala's 140-member assembly, the UDF secured 102 seats.