By Admin 
There is still suspense in the Congress regarding who will become the next Chief Minister of Kerala. Even after continuous meetings and discussions in New Delhi, the party high command has not yet taken the final decision. Meanwhile, lobbying by different camps has intensified in support of KC Venugopal and VD Satheesan. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and senior leader AK Antony are believed to play an important role in this decision.
Discussion can also be held with UDF allies
According to sources, the Congress leadership may also talk to key allies of the United Democratic Front (UDF) before announcing the name of the Chief Minister. At present, the round of talks and opinion polls has been completed and the three main contenders KC Venugopal, VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala are waiting for the final decision of the high command.
What is the claim of Venugopal camp?
Supporters of KC Venugopal believe that the Congress leadership can give importance to the opinion of the majority of the legislature party and the national level organizational experience of Venugopal. He also claims that there is a positive atmosphere in favor of Venugopal in a section of the party high command.
Satishan camp’s argument
On the other hand, supporters of VD Satheesan say that the public mood in Kerala and the support of many UDF allies is making their case stronger. However, it is being told that the central leadership has expressed displeasure over the public demonstration and show of strength of Satishan supporters. Despite this, the Satishan camp says that the party cannot ignore the ground environment.
Chennithala also presented his stand strongly
The third contender, Ramesh Chennithala, has also presented a strong claim before the high command on the basis of his seniority and long administrative and political experience. Sources say that Chennithala is still hopeful that the leadership can finally give him the responsibility of the post of Chief Minister.
What did Rahul Gandhi say to the three leaders?
According to sources, Rahul Gandhi told the three leaders that all are capable candidates and the final decision will be taken keeping in mind the merit as well as larger political equations. However, he also indicated that the current political environment is not suitable for an immediate announcement.
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High command gave strict instructions for discipline
After meeting Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, all three claimants have maintained silence in public. The party high command has given strict instructions to the supporters to maintain discipline and avoid any kind of public campaign, rally or show of strength.
What did KPCC President say?
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President Sunny Joseph said that the Congress leadership will soon announce the name of the next Chief Minister. Speaking to reporters after returning from New Delhi, he said that the talks between the high command and the three claimants have been positive and at present there is no need for another round of discussions with state leaders.
He said, “Everyone has been asked to avoid controversial steps. A good decision will be taken and everyone will move forward together.” However, he refused to give a deadline.
Muraleedharan appealed to the workers to maintain peace
Senior Congress leader K. Muraleedharan also appealed to the party workers to exercise restraint. He said that it is the responsibility of every Congress worker to accept the final decision of the high command. Muraleedharan said, “Such differences in the party are natural. Let the leadership take the decision and everyone should stand united behind it.” He also said that Congress has a set process for choosing the Chief Minister, in which the final decision is taken by the central leadership after consulting MLAs and senior leaders.
Decision may come in a few days
Congress leaders say that the name of the Chief Minister may be announced in the next few days. However, according to party sources, after the election victory of UDF, the high command is moving very cautiously to prevent factionalism and internal tension from increasing further in Kerala Congress.