Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress-led alliance has secured a majority in the Kerala Assembly election, but the choice of chief minister is yet to be finalised.
Political observers say that, regardless of party, the final call on the chief minister is typically made by the high command, with consultations with MLAs often remaining a formality.
Within the Congress, Lok Sabha MP K C Venugopal is being seen as a powerful figure and is considered close to Rahul Gandhi. The alliance won 102 seats, with the Congress taking 63; sources claim around 40 of the party’s MLAs are aligned with Venugopal.
Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, V D Satheesan, is also in the race, with his supporters arguing that his leadership helped the party secure the victory. Ramesh Chennithala is mentioned as another name, though he is said to have fewer chances.
With reports suggesting Rahul Gandhi may favour Venugopal, Satheesan’s supporters have launched protests, and scuffles have been reported in some places between the two camps. Delhi Congress circles are said to be leaning towards Venugopal as the frontrunner.
