The high command of the Indian National Congress has indicated that the decision regarding the next Chief Minister of Kerala will not be delayed further, with reports suggesting an official announcement could come soon.
Senior Congress leaders held a series of discussions in New Delhi on the issue, including consultations with former KPCC presidents and key party figures from Kerala.
According to reports, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was urgently called to Delhi from Bengaluru as part of the ongoing discussions over leadership selection.
Rahul Gandhi reportedly held separate meetings with Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, A K Antony and several senior Kerala Congress leaders.
Among those consulted were former KPCC presidents V M Sudheeran, K Muraleedharan, M M Hassan and K Sudhakaran.
Rahul Gandhi also reportedly met leaders including Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, P C Vishnunath, A P Anil Kumar and Shafi Parambil to assess the political situation in Kerala and explore ways to avoid internal disputes.
Sources said Rahul Gandhi held separate discussions with each leader for around 10 to 20 minutes and sought feedback regarding the current political atmosphere in Kerala.
The discussions also reportedly included recent public demonstrations supporting V D Satheesan and questions about how the protests suddenly stopped following instructions from the party high command.
Reports suggest that most leaders, except K Muraleedharan and V M Sudheeran, conveyed favourable opinions regarding K C Venugopal becoming Chief Minister.
K Muraleedharan reportedly warned that appointing K C Venugopal could trigger negative public sentiment and create political difficulties, including complications in upcoming by elections.
Meanwhile, the Indian Union Muslim League is said to have communicated its support for V D Satheesan through Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
The Congress leadership is expected to make a final decision after completing consultations with alliance partners and senior leaders.
