Congress Grapples with Uncertainty Over Kerala Chief Ministerial Pick

The Congress party remains indecisive about its Chief Ministerial candidate in Kerala, causing confusion even after winning a majority in the 2026 Assembly elections. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized the disarray, while Kerala Congress President Sunny Joseph anticipated an announcement soon, pending final consultations with senior leaders in Delhi.

The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized the Congress's indecision over naming a Chief Minister for Kerala, following their victory in the recent Assembly elections. He remarked that the ongoing indecisiveness demonstrates the party's confusion, even suggesting there could be five different chief ministers over the next five years.

Meanwhile, Sunny Joseph, President of the Kerala Congress, conveyed to reporters that the party awaited a final decision from its high command. He expressed confidence that discussions had been wrapped up, and an announcement on the Chief Minister's name was expected imminently, attributing minor delays to Sonia Gandhi's health.

This internal dilemma unfolds against the backdrop of the Congress-led United Democratic Front securing a significant mandate but stalling on finalizing a leadership choice. Senior Delhi-based discussions are reportedly underway to decide on a leader with VD Satheesan, KC Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala as the main contenders.