MLAs heading to KPCC headquarters, Legislative party meeting at 1 pm today; KC Venugopal still in Delhi

NEW DELHI: The All India Congress Committee (AICC) leadership will finally announce the Chief Minister of Kerala today. The Congress Legislature Party meeting is scheduled at 1 pm today at Indira Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram. The high command's proposals will be presented in the meeting. Leaders, including V.D. Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala, will be present.

The central leadership held final discussions on Wednesday to select from the trio of V.D. Satheesan, K.C. Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala.

Rahul Gandhi reached Kharge's residence at 5.40 pm and returned after half an hour of discussions. When Jairam Ramesh, who is in charge of the media wing, arrived at the location, news spread that the decision had been made and that the press release would be issued soon. With this, Jairam Ramesh addressed media queries and said that a decision had been made, but the announcement will come only on Thursday.

During the discussion, there were indications that Rahul Gandhi and Kharge communicated with the most senior leader in Kerala, A.K. Antony, UDF convener Adoor Prakash, and senior MP Kodikunnil Suresh. After seeking Sonia Gandhi's opinion, Rahul came to a decision. It is indicated that the announcement was postponed until today to create a friendly atmosphere by convincing the other two leaders.

While the discussion was going on, K.C. Venugopal, the organising secretary, was staying at his house in Delhi.

Although K.C. Venugopal had the support of the majority of MLAs, the stance from the Muslim League and other allied parties in favour of V.D. Satheesan and the public sentiment in his favour put pressure on the high command. There are indications that pressure was put on K.C. Venugopal to withdraw.

1 Kerala leaders were confident that an announcement would be made on Wednesday. KPCC President reached Indira Bhavan and said so. By afternoon, workers also started reaching Indira Bhavan.

2 Supporters reached V.D. Satheesan's residence in Aluva since morning. Later, four appointed MLAs, including DCC President Muhammed Shiyas, also arrived.

3 Rumours that A.K. Antony had taken a stand in favour of Satheesan intensified. Later, Antony came to deny this news.

4 NSS General Secretary G. Sukumaran Nair warned the Muslim League not to interfere in the affairs of the Congress.

5 Activists and local leaders from Haripad reached Ramesh Chennithala's residence in Thiruvananthapuram.