Published May 06, 2026 | 12:48 PM ⚊ Updated May 06, 2026 | 12:48 PM
K C Venugopal, V D Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala.
Synopsis: The central observers are expected to seek the MLAs’ opinions before consulting the UDF constituents. Three senior leaders, VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and KC Venugopal are in the chief ministerial race after the UDF recorded a resounding win in the 9 April polls.
The Congress has accelerated its government-formation process in Kerala, with the first meeting of its newly elected legislature party scheduled for Thursday, 7 May, at the KPCC headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram.
AICC observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken are expected to attend the meeting, which would begin at 10:30 am.
The meeting assumes significance as it comes close on the heels of high-level consultations in Delhi on Wednesday. The parleys led by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi focused on the contours of leadership selection, following the Congress-led UDF’s emphatic electoral victory.
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Three senior leaders remain at the centre of the chief ministerial race—Opposition leader VD Satheesan, former minister Ramesh Chennithala, both MLA designates, and Alappuzha MP and AICC general secretary KC Venugopal.
The observers are expected to seek the opinions of MLAs during the meeting, a crucial step before the leadership arrives at a final decision on the chief minister.
While the presence of Venugopal in earlier discussions had triggered murmurs within sections of the state unit—given his own reported interest in the top post—party insiders maintain that he has been discharging his responsibilities as AICC general secretary (organisation).
Signals from contenders remain measured. Chennithala has subtly underlined the importance of seniority, whereas Satheesan has reiterated that the final call rests with the party high command.
Following Thursday’s meeting, further consultations are expected, including with key allies such as the Indian Union Muslim League, before the Congress leadership finalises the chief minister.
Meanwhile, Chennithala left for Delhi on Wednesday, and is expected to meet Kharge and Venugopal.
While sources close to him claimed that the visit is to discuss organisational matters in Maharashtra — where Chennithala holds charge — it is widely believed that the chief ministership will be at the core of the talks.
