After days of suspense over government formation in Kerala, the Indian National Congress on Wednesday indicated that the next Chief Minister of the state would be announced on Thursday following consultations with the party high command in Delhi.
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said discussions on the chief ministerial candidate had been completed and the formal announcement would be made on Thursday.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), which secured a decisive victory in the Assembly elections earlier this month, has faced criticism over the delay in naming its leader despite nearly 10 days having passed since the declaration of results.
The race for the top post has largely centred around senior leaders VD Satheesan, KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala.
Also read: Kerala CM selection: Cong divided on UDF coalition partners' role
While Venugopal is believed to enjoy the support of a majority of newly elected Congress MLAs, Satheesan has reportedly received backing from sections of the party cadre and allies such as the Indian Union Muslim League.
Earlier in the day, Kerala Congress chief Sunny Joseph had expressed hope that the announcement would be made on Wednesday itself, but indicated that a slight delay may have occurred due to Sonia Gandhi undergoing a routine medical check-up.
Meanwhile, supporters of rival camps gathered outside the residences of Satheesan and Venugopal in Kerala, reflecting growing political excitement over the leadership decision.
The delay has also triggered discontent among some Congress workers, with posters appearing in Wayanad warning party leaders against choosing Venugopal as the next chief minister.
The Congress-led UDF returned to power in Kerala after winning a comfortable majority in the 140-member Assembly.
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