The Congress party has summoned its former state party chiefs to deliberate on the selection of the next chief minister of Kerala, even as coalition partner Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has thrown its weight behind V D Satheesan for the top post. The delay in finalizing the candidate, now over a week after the party's victory in the state assembly elections, has sparked resentment among allies and drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Internal Consultations Intensify
Sources within the Congress said that the party's high command has called a meeting of former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) presidents to seek their input on the chief ministerial candidate. The move is seen as an effort to build consensus and avoid factional discord. Among those expected to attend are senior leaders who have previously led the state unit.
IUML's Clear Preference
The IUML, a key ally in the United Democratic Front (UDF) coalition, has made its preference known. Party leaders have publicly stated that V D Satheesan, the current Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, is their choice for the chief minister's position. Satheesan, a seasoned politician with a clean image, is also backed by several other alliance partners.
The endorsement from IUML is significant as the party holds considerable influence in the state's political landscape, particularly in the Malabar region. The Muslim League's support could help Satheesan secure the necessary numbers within the Congress legislature party.
Growing Resentment Among Allies
The prolonged uncertainty over the chief minister's selection has led to visible frustration among UDF partners. Some allies have expressed concerns that the delay could undermine the coalition's stability and send a wrong signal to the electorate. The Congress, however, maintains that it is following a democratic process to ensure a unanimous choice.
BJP leaders have been quick to seize on the situation, accusing the Congress of being indecisive and unable to govern. State BJP president K Surendran said, "The Congress cannot even decide on a chief minister. This shows their lack of preparedness and internal squabbles."
Background of the Selection Process
The Congress-led UDF secured a comfortable majority in the Kerala assembly elections, winning 99 seats in the 140-member house. The victory ended the ruling Left Democratic Front's (LDF) term in office. Since then, the Congress has been deliberating on who should lead the government, with several names doing the rounds.
Apart from Satheesan, other contenders include K Muraleedharan, a former MP and son of late Chief Minister K Karunakaran, and Ramesh Chennithala, a former Home Minister. However, Satheesan appears to have an edge due to his wide acceptability among allies and within the party.
What Lies Ahead
The Congress high command is expected to make a final decision in the coming days. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior observer K C Venugopal are likely to hold further consultations with state leaders. The new chief minister is expected to be sworn in by the end of next week.
Political analysts believe that the delay, while causing some unease, is unlikely to derail the coalition. The UDF has a strong majority, and the Congress is keen to project unity before forming the government.
