Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, May 11: A week after the Congress-led United Democratic Front secured a decisive victory in Kerala, uncertainty continues over who will be appointed the state’s next chief minister, with the party’s central leadership still unable to resolve internal differences.

Despite smoother government formation processes in other states that recently went to polls—where leadership decisions have already been finalised and oath ceremonies completed—Kerala remains stalled in political uncertainty. The Congress high command in New Delhi is still engaged in consultations, with no final decision announced.

The decision is being closely overseen by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi, who are reportedly evaluating the political and organisational consequences of each possible outcome before settling on a name.

Inside the party, three senior leaders remain in contention for the top post: K. C. Venugopal, V. D. Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala. None of the contenders has withdrawn from the race, and each enjoys backing from different internal factions.

Venugopal’s supporters remain confident that the leadership may ultimately favour him, though concerns persist within the party over the political complications of him shifting from Parliament to the Kerala Assembly. Such a move could trigger multiple by-elections, including one in Alappuzha and another for his Lok Sabha seat.

The delay has intensified internal lobbying, with rival camps interpreting the lack of a decision as evidence that the high command is still exploring alternative arrangements, including possible power-sharing formulas or key organisational roles for those not chosen as chief minister.

Rahul Gandhi is reported to have expressed displeasure over factional public demonstrations in Kerala, warning leaders against attempts to pressure the leadership through street-level mobilisation. His message, party insiders say, emphasised discipline and unity while the decision-making process continues.

Although former Congress president Sonia Gandhi has not yet directly intervened, her input is expected to be part of the final consultation before an announcement is made.

For now, the Congress leadership is focused on managing internal tensions and preventing further factional escalation. Despite delivering a strong electoral mandate in Kerala, the United Democratic Front continues to wait for clarity on who will lead the next government.