The Congress party's internal battle for the Chief Minister's post in Kerala has intensified, with coalition allies pushing for Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan as the frontrunner. AICC observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday to hold consultations with Congress MLA designates and leaders of the United Democratic Front (UDF) coalition parties. The observers are tasked with gathering opinions and assessing the consensus among the party's newly elected legislators and allies.
Allies Rally Behind Satheesan
Key UDF partners, including the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Kerala Congress (M), have publicly expressed their support for Satheesan, citing his experience and leadership during the assembly elections. The pressure is mounting on the Congress high command to name Satheesan as the Chief Ministerial candidate, especially after the party's improved performance in the recently concluded state elections.
Consultations Underway
On Thursday, Wasnik and Maken held separate meetings with Congress MLA designates and representatives from allied parties at the state party headquarters. The discussions focused on the post-election scenario and the way forward for government formation. While the Congress emerged as the single largest party, it fell short of a majority, necessitating support from coalition partners.
Sources indicate that a majority of the Congress MLAs have favored Satheesan for the top post, while a small faction has proposed alternative names. However, the allies have unanimously backed Satheesan, putting additional pressure on the central leadership to make a swift decision.
The AICC observers are expected to submit their report to the party's central leadership in New Delhi later this week. The final decision on the Chief Minister will be taken by the Congress president after considering the feedback from the state unit and coalition partners.
In the meantime, political activities in Kerala remain heightened as parties jostle for positions in the new government. The Congress is keen to project a united front to ensure a stable administration, with Satheesan emerging as the consensus candidate among allies.
