Kerala CM selection hits roadblock: No announcement today as deliberation end in deadlock

NEW DELHI: The deadlock over the selection of the next Chief Minister continues as hours of high-level deliberations in the capital concluded without a final resolution. Speaking to the press immediately following the discussions, AICC observer Deepa Dasmunsi confirmed that while consultations with various leaders have been completed, the ultimate decision has been deferred to the party High Command. She noted that Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge will make the final call, with an official announcement expected shortly.

In the wake of the meeting, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan issued a stern directive to party cadres to cease all public demonstrations in favour of specific candidates. Satheesan emphasised that such displays of factionalism are demoralising to dedicated party workers and urged supporters to prioritise the party’s integrity over individual personalities. He demanded that all promotional flex boards and posters be removed by the end of the day, insisting that "the people are paramount" and no further street protests should take place.

This call for discipline was echoed by other senior leaders who expressed concern over the party's public image. K.C. Venugopal remarked that while personal admiration for leaders is acceptable, it should never manifest in a way that insults or belittles others within the organisation. Ramesh Chennithala further cautioned that the public friction has already painted a negative picture of the party, stressing that all internal disputes must end today. Reinforcing this stance of collective responsibility, Sunny Joseph stated that every member remains duty-bound to unanimously accept the High Command’s final decision regarding the leadership.