Congress High Command to Decide on Kerala CM Post, Says Sadiq Ali Thangal

Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal has asserted that the debate surrounding who will become the Chief Minister if the UDF wins the upcoming assembly election will be settled soon. He emphasized that the Congress high command will make the appropriate decision, a sentiment also echoed by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).

Speaking amidst growing discussions within the Congress party regarding the potential Chief Ministerial candidate, Thangal stated that the uncertainty will only last until May 4. He expressed confidence that the Congress leadership in Delhi will arrive at a decision that meets the expectations of the people of Kerala.

As the state approaches the assembly election results, the question of who will lead the government in the event of a UDF victory has become a central topic of debate within the Congress party. While party leaders consistently state that the final decision rests with the high command, recent political developments suggest that several state leaders are positioning themselves for the role.

Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, while emphasizing the role of the high command, stated that the next Chief Minister would be selected after consultations with the newly elected MLAs. He described the current speculation surrounding the Chief Ministerial candidate as unnecessary.

Currently, Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan is seen as a prominent contender. Proponents within the party credit him with presenting the Congress as a credible alternative to the ruling Left government through his statewide ‘Puduyuga Yatra’. However, Satheesan has largely avoided open claims, emphasizing the need to fight as a team rather than focusing on an individual. Senior leader Mani Shankar Aiyar had previously publicly supported Satheesan as a suitable candidate, praising his organizational skills.

Former Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala is also viewed as a strong contender, receiving support from several KPCC leaders, including K. Sudhakaran. Meanwhile, the name of AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal has also surfaced in discussions, gaining support from certain quarters.

These developments are being closely monitored by alliance partners. While IUML leaders have previously maintained that they would not interfere in the Congress party’s internal decision on the Chief Ministerial candidate, they have expressed dissatisfaction over the ongoing public discourse regarding the matter. Balancing these internal ambitions and maintaining unity remains a significant challenge for the Congress high command.