New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, May 12: After eight days of suspense and speculation, the Congress high command appears to be closing in on a decision regarding Kerala’s next Chief Minister. Senior leader K. Muraleedharan, emerging from discussions in Delhi, indicated that the announcement could come within a day, offering the clearest signal yet that the party is ready to break the deadlock.

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) swept to power with 102 seats in the 140-member Assembly, but the prolonged delay in naming the Chief Minister has cast a shadow over the alliance’s victory. State Congress chief Sunny Joseph admitted that the uncertainty had become a source of embarrassment, even as alliance partners began voicing unease.

At the heart of the power struggle are three senior leaders - K. C. Venugopal, V. D. Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala. Venugopal reportedly enjoys the backing of more than 50 legislators and the confidence of Rahul Gandhi and the central leadership, giving him a decisive edge. Satheesan, however, has emerged as a sentimental favourite among party workers and sections of the public for his aggressive role as Leader of the Opposition against the Pinarayi Vijayan government.

A key meeting took place at Sonia Gandhi’s residence, attended by Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Rahul is also scheduled to meet former state party chief V. M. Sudheeran and veteran leader A. K. Antony before the final announcement. Sources suggest that the leadership is weighing both political strength and public sentiment in making the choice.

The consultations highlight the Congress’s challenge of balancing internal dynamics with the expectations of the electorate. The delay has underscored the complexities of leadership selection in a state where factional loyalties run deep.

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Alliance leaders, including those from the UDF, have stressed the need for swift resolution to ensure smooth governance and capitalize on the mandate. With Kharge returning to Delhi later in the day and Rahul Gandhi continuing consultations, the stage is set for the high command to unveil Kerala’s new Chief Minister.

The decision will not only shape the immediate political landscape of Kerala but also signal the Congress’s ability to manage internal rivalries while steering the state toward its next phase of governance.