Kerala's CM suspense continues; Sonia Gandhi to take final call today

NEW DELHI: Even Tamil Nadu has put the political drama behind it to select Vijay as the new CM face, while Kerala continues their wait to know the new ‘captain’. This seems to be an embarrassing situation as the United Democratic Front won the election with a landslide margin. No final announcement was made in the three-hour discussion held at the residence of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge yesterday. It is currently being reported that an official announcement may be made soon after Rahul Gandhi talks to the allies.

Among those being considered for the post of Chief Minister, KC Venugopal is currently the most likely candidate. However, VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala have not backed down from their claims. Ramesh Chennithala convinced the party of his seniority and experience during the discussion. Rahul Gandhi will directly inquire about the positions of the allies, including the Muslim League. Reports suggest that Sonia Gandhi's decision will also be decisive in deciding who will be the Chief Minister.

The three leaders informed Kharge and Rahul that they would accept whatever decision the high command comes with. Meanwhile, the high command had expressed deep dissatisfaction over the lack of discipline among the cadres regarding the Chief Minister's announcement. The sectarian signs involved in demonstrations and poster wars are not in keeping with the party's culture. AICC General Secretary Deepa Dasmunshi clarified that such trends should be stopped immediately.

Observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken also attended the meeting that began at 4 pm on Saturday. Rahul Gandhi gave strict instructions to the party cadres that there should be no division in the party over the post of Chief Minister. The discussions ended with the assurance that the high command would accept the decision and move forward together. After the discussions, VD Satheesan and KC returned to Kerala. Ramesh Chennithala will return to Kerala today.