Thiruvananthapuram, 13 May (H.S.): The Congress high command is likely to announce the next Chief Minister of Kerala on Wednesday after holding the final round of consultations with senior party leaders and alliance partners. Indications suggest that the leadership decision could be announced by noon following discussions involving Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Sonia Gandhi.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday held extensive consultations with Kerala leaders, including former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) presidents, to gather their views on the leadership issue following the United Democratic Front’s victory in the Assembly elections. Sources said the opinion of AICC General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra could also play a crucial role in the final selection process.

Rahul Gandhi reportedly concluded his discussions with Kerala leaders late Tuesday night. He also spoke over the phone with senior Congress leader Mullappally Ramachandran and sought the views of KPCC working presidents A.P. Anil Kumar, P.C. Vishnunath and Shafi Parambil.

According to party sources, senior Congress leader K. Muraleedharan conveyed to Rahul Gandhi that public sentiment in Kerala strongly favours Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan for the Chief Minister’s post. Reports also suggested that veteran leader V.M. Sudheeran shared a similar view, though indirectly. Senior Congress leader M.M. Hassan, however, declined to disclose details of his discussion with Rahul Gandhi.

While some leaders publicly maintained a neutral stand, indications emerged that KPCC president K. Sudhakaran supported AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal during his meeting with Rahul Gandhi. Party insiders said that, barring Muraleedharan and Sudheeran, most leaders who met Rahul Gandhi expressed support for Venugopal becoming Chief Minister.

Sources added that Rahul Gandhi also questioned party leaders about the recent shows of strength and factional mobilisation surrounding the Chief Ministerial race. He reportedly sought details on who was behind the protests, whether the demonstrations were coordinated, and whose interests they were intended to serve.

Rahul Gandhi is also learnt to have asked leaders whether attempts were made to influence MLAs during the leadership consultations. While some leaders argued that the support of MLAs should be the deciding factor, others insisted that the public mood in the state must be given greater importance.

The Congress leadership is expected to hold discussions with alliance partners before making the final announcement on the new Chief Minister.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman