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3 In Race, 1 Frontrunner: Inside Congress' Kerala Chief Minister Discussions
Following a strong UDF victory in Kerala, Congress leadership in Delhi will decide the next CLP leader and Chief Minister. Newly elected MLAs authorised the high command to choose the leader, with KC Venugopal, VD Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala in consideration, and observers conducting intake meetings with MLAs and MPs.
Why It Matters
The outcome will shape Kerala's leadership and governance, while highlighting internal Congress dynamics and its central leadership's influence on state-level decisions.
Timeline
9 Events
Wasnik dismisses viral photo listing MLAs backing different leaders
May 8, 2026
Mukul Wasnik dismissed a viral photo claiming to show a list of MLAs supporting different leaders, stating the circulated document was incorrect and did not reflect the real situation.
Venugopal's proximity to Rahul Gandhi cited as leadership factor
May 8, 2026
Venugopal's close equation with the Congress high command and proximity to Rahul Gandhi is viewed as an important factor in the leadership race.
Kharge to Delhi for discussions with top contenders
May 8, 2026
Sources say Mallikarjun Kharge called Venugopal, Satheesan and Chennithala to Delhi for discussions before taking the final call.
Observers Maken and Wasnik hold one-on-one meetings with MLAs, MPs, and former MPs
May 8, 2026
Kerala observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik conducted one-on-one meetings with newly elected MLAs, MPs and former MPs to prepare their report for the party leadership.
Venugopal seen as frontrunner; Satheesan and Chennithala also in contention
May 8, 2026
Sources indicate a majority of Congress MLAs back KC Venugopal for Chief Minister, with VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala also in consideration.
Ajay Maken confirms resolution after Delhi meeting with Mallikarjun Kharge
May 8, 2026
Congress observer Ajay Maken confirmed the MLAs' resolution after meeting party president Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi.
Kerala CLP meets and MLAs pass resolution authorising high command to choose the leader
May 8, 2026
Following the CLP meeting in Kerala, all newly elected Congress MLAs unanimously passed a one-line resolution authorising the party high command to select the CLP leader and, by extension, the Chief Minister candidate.
Kerala election result context: UDF victory seen as major comeback
May 2026
The UDF's victory is being seen as a major comeback for Congress after the LDF's ten-year rule.
UDF secures 102 seats in Kerala Assembly
May 2026
The United Democratic Front won 102 of 140 seats in the Kerala Assembly, signaling a major comeback as the Left Democratic Front's ten-year rule ended.