Thiruvananthapuram, 14 May (H.S.): The Congress high command is expected to announce the next Chief Minister of Kerala on Thursday, bringing an end to days of intense deliberations within the party following the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) sweeping victory in the Assembly elections.

According to party sources, the Congress leadership in New Delhi has reached a final consensus on the Chief Ministerial candidate from among the frontrunners — senior leaders V.D. Satheesan, K.C. Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala. The formal announcement is likely to be made during the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting scheduled to be held in Thiruvananthapuram later in the day.

The Congress Legislature Party meeting has been convened at 1 p.m., with all newly elected Congress MLAs directed to attend. AICC General Secretary Deepa Das Munshi is expected to arrive with the decision of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in a sealed cover. Two central observers appointed by the high command are also likely to participate in the meeting.

Sources said the high command concluded nearly nine days of consultations before arriving at a final decision on the leadership issue. The discussions reportedly involved senior Congress leaders in Kerala as well as the national leadership in Delhi, amid competing claims and intense lobbying within the party.

Before the official announcement, the Congress leadership is also expected to hold final rounds of discussions with alliance partners and key leaders to ensure a smooth transition of power. Party insiders said the leadership formula evolved by the high command has largely been accepted, though efforts are continuing to convince all senior contenders and maintain unity within the party.

The Congress has also instructed MLAs of allied parties to reach Thiruvananthapuram ahead of the UDF legislature meeting scheduled for 2 p.m. Following the CLP meeting, the UDF legislators are expected to formally endorse the new Chief Minister and hand over a letter of support.

Armed with the support of the alliance legislators, the Chief Minister-designate is expected to meet the Governor later in the day to stake claim to form the new government.

The UDF secured a decisive mandate in the Kerala Assembly elections, winning 102 seats in the 140-member House and returning to power after a gap of five years.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman