Kerala CM Announcement News Live Updates: Kerala's designated CM Satheesan meets Guv, likely to take oath on May 18

The oath taking ceremony of Kerala's newly designated CM VD Satheesan is likely to take place on May 18, news agency PTI reported citing party sources.

CM-designate VD Satheesan and Congress leaders meet Kerala Governor. They handed over the letter of support, PTI reported citing sources.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday congratulated V D Satheesan on being named as the Kerala CM and said he looked forward to working closely with him to uphold the spirit of federalism and protect the shared interests of both the states and their people.

The Congress named Satheesan as the next chief minister of Kerala, ending days of suspense and speculation over the matter.

Taking to social media post on 'X', Siddaramaiah congratulated Satheesan on being named as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party in Kerala and as the next Chief Minister of Kerala.

"A six-term MLA, former Leader of Opposition from 2021 to 2026, and a leader who began his public life through student politics in the NSUI, Satheesan brings decades of legislative experience, organisational commitment and a deep understanding of people’s aspirations," he said.

Siddaramaiah expressed confidence that under Satheesan's leadership, Kerala will witness a government committed to secularism, social justice, welfare and inclusive development.

"I look forward to working closely with him to uphold the spirit of federalism and protect the shared interests of Karnataka, Keralam and our people. My best wishes to him and the people of Keralam," he added.

UDF convener Adoor Prakash on Thursday welcomed V D Satheesan as the chief minister of Kerala, saying that the Congress-led alliance won in the state under his leadership.

Prakash, also the Congress MP from Attingal Lok Sabha seat, said that the UDF worked as a team and it was evident from the results of the Assembly polls in Kerala.

"We are all happy that Satheesan has been selected by the party as the chief minister face of the Congress and UDF," he said.

He said it was an opportunity for all UDF workers to work along with Satheesan.

Prakash also thanked the UDF workers for their efforts in ensuring a victory for the Congress-led alliance in the state.

He also made it clear that the decision of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) will be accepted by all and there will be no issue with regard to it.

More than 10 days after the declaration of results of the Kerala Assembly polls, the Congress selected Satheesan as the CM. Besides him, Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal and senior party leader Ramesh Chennithala were also in the race for the CM post.

Congress leaders and newly elected MLAs on Thursday extended their greetings to V D Satheesan soon after the AICC announced him as the CM of Kerala.

KPCC president Sunny Joseph shared a photograph of Satheesan on Facebook and wrote, “Congratulations to V D Satheesan, the 24th chief minister of Kerala.”

MP Shafi Parambil also congratulated Satheesan on being selected as the CM of Kerala.

In a Facebook post, Parambil, the KPCC working president, described Satheesan as the leader of the Congress-led UDF government and extended his wishes.

Congress leader and MLA V T Balram also congratulated Satheesan, saying the announcement reflected the will of the people.

In a Facebook post, Balram said the declaration was one Kerala had been waiting for and described it as the formal endorsement of a decision already made in the minds of the people.

“A truly democratic party can only take decisions by respecting public interest and cannot ignore the prevailing public sentiment,” he said.

Balram said Satheesan was assuming office amid an unprecedented wave of popular support rarely seen for a political leader.

He added that Satheesan’s elevation should not be viewed merely as that of a Congress or UDF CM, but as that of the CM of the people of Kerala.

Balram also called for united efforts going forward, stressing the need to fulfil promises, uphold expectations and work together towards a better future.

“We can do it, because this is Kerala,” he said, concluding his post by asserting that Satheesan is “our chief minister”.

Expelled Congress leader Rahul Mamkootathil also congratulated Satheesan.

In a Facebook post, Mamkootathil said the UDF’s victory was the result of years of political struggle and sacrifice by party workers.

He said that over the past 10 years, the opposition had been engaged in intense political battles, with thousands of workers taking to the streets against what he termed anti-people governance.

According to him, the efforts of these workers had now culminated in a people’s government, and the high command had entrusted Satheesan with the responsibility of leading it.

He expressed confidence that the new government would prioritise public welfare and work to realise the aspirations of the people, while extending his greetings to Satheesan.

Chandy Oommen, son of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and the re-elected MLA from Puthuppally, also shared a photograph of Satheesan and extended his greetings.

Mathew Kuzhalnadan, who was re-elected as MLA from Muvattupuzha, said Kerala would see a new face and a new style of governance. “Greetings and congratulations to dear V D Satheesan,” he said.

Roji M John, who was re-elected as the MLA from Angamaly, also shared a Facebook post congratulating Satheesan.

Kerala chief minister-elect VD Satheesan on Thursday dismissed speculation of infighting within the Congress after his selection as the Congress Legislature Party leader, asserting that the party remained united and focused on addressing the state’s economic challenges.

“There is no rift in the Congress party. The Congress party is united. There was a process to select the CLP leader. Our CLP meeting adopted a resolution, and we entrusted the Congress President with the responsibility of deciding the CLP leader. Congress President (Mallikarjun Kharge) and Rahul Ji, with the blessings of Sonia Ji, consulted all the MLAs, MPs, former PCC presidents, and senior leaders before making the decision. They decided, and we accepted the decision,” Satheesan said.

The Congress leader said the new government would prioritise Kerala’s financial situation, which he described as being under severe stress.

“We have many priorities because we are going through a vulnerable situation. Kerala's fiscal condition is in a very poor state, and the exchequer is under severe stress. So, we have a lot of work to do. We have made many promises to the people of Kerala, and we remain committed and dedicated to fulfilling them,” he added.

Congress general secretary K C Venugopal on Thursday said he accepts the party's decision to name V D Satheesan as the chief minister of Kerala, and extended all support to him and the UDF government in the state.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Venugopal, who was one of the three persons being considered for the post, said he wholeheartedly congratulated Satheesan.

He further said that he had right from the start made it clear that he would accept the Congress decision whatever it may be as the party is everything for him.

"So, that is my stand now. I humbly accept the party high command decision and will work to implement it. I am a loyal Congressman. For me the party is everything. I don't want an image at the cost of the party. I want to die shrouded in the party flag. Will give all support to the government in Kerala," he said.

On his meeting with Rahul Gandhi earlier in the day, Venugopal said the former Congress president and Priyanka Gandhi discussed the situation and the decision making process.

"They called me and asked me my opinion and we all discussed that. I am thanking the MLAs, party workers, party functionaries for the support they have given to me. Finally, the party took a decision and as a sincere Congressman we are all behind the party decision," he said.

"The Congress high command decided VD Satheesan as the chief minister for Keralam government. I am welcoming that decision wholeheartedly. I am congratulating Satheesan for this position. I think that people of Kerala have given a big verdict for the UDF. The government and the leadership of Satheesan can fulfil the aspirations and promises of the people of Kerala. Certainly, we are totally behind the government of Kerala," he also said.

He refused to answer queries whether the party has made him promises for not naming him as the Kerala CM.

Venugopal also said that the party leadership took a decision based on several factors and after considering all aspects.

He further said that he was not scared by any personal attacks on him by anyone.

He also asserted that there will be no issues in the party following the high command decision.

The Congress general secretary (organisation) also declined to respond to queries whether there was any pressure from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on the CM issue.

"Best wishes to my dear colleague Sh. @vdsatheesan on being chosen as the next CM of Keralam! We all welcome the Congress High Command’s decision, the party is supreme. We will work together for the welfare and development of Keralam!" he said on X.

The party's decision comes more than 10 days after the results of the April Assembly polls in Kerala were declared.

The Congress-led UDF secured a more than two-thirds majority in the Kerala Assembly elections, but the party was finding it difficult to decide its chief ministerial face due to lobbying by different camps and protests by workers at the ground level.

Besides, Satheesan and Venugopal, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala was also in the race for the CM's post

BJP criticised the Congress over its decision to appoint VD Satheesan as the next chief minister of Kerala, alleging that the move reflects internal “infighting” and would result in a “remote-controlled government."

The Congress had named Satheesan as the next chief minister, ending days of suspense and speculation. The announcement was made at a press conference by AICC in-charge for Kerala Deepa Dasmunshi along with central observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik.

Satheesan was among the main contenders for the post, along with KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala.

In a post on X, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that the decision was imposed by the Congress central leadership on the state unit and said the Chief Minister was chosen in New Delhi rather than Kerala.

He further claimed that differences existed within the Gandhi family over the leadership choice, alleging that Satheesan was selected due to pressure from Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who did not want Rahul Gandhi’s preferred candidate K C Venugopal to be chosen.

V D Satheesan promised good governance and said he would focus on building a “new Kerala” for the youth without any compromises after being chosen as the Legislative Party leader.

Speaking to ANI, Satheesan expressed gratitude to Congress leadership, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi, for entrusting him with the responsibility.

He said, "I express my gratitude. I'm very grateful to the AICC leadership because our CLP adopted a resolution entrusting the Congress President to make a decision. Congress President, having a discussion with Rahul ji, Priyanka ji and all other leaders, has taken a decision. I dedicate this Chief Ministership to the people of Kerala,".

He added, "We have offered many things to the people. We have to make changes. We have to start a new era. I promise to the people of Kerala that there should be a new Kerala for the youngsters, those who are coming up, the next generation. We are going to change the definition of political work. I hope that political work should be a dedication to the people to change their living standard, and for the work for the people on the sidelines. We promise good governance, no compromise,".

He said, "I do not see this position as a personal achievement, but as something divine. It was KC Venugopal who coordinated all the activities of the AICC. His support was immense. Ramesh Chennithala is also my leader. I will take all of them into complete confidence."

V D Satheesan, the chief minister-designate of Kerala, said he would take senior Congress leaders, including K C Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala, into confidence and called for a “collective effort” in governance.

Addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram after the Congress named him as the Legislative Party leader, Satheesan thanked Rahul Gandhi and UDF workers for their support.

Satheesan said, "I do not see this position as a personal achievement, but as something divine. It was KC Venugopal who coordinated all the activities of the AICC. His support was immense. Ramesh Chennithala is also my leader. I will take all of them into complete confidence. I seek the support of every section of people in Kerala. Only a collective effort can build a new Kerala. No one can do it alone; a team can achieve it."

He added, "My party has entrusted me with a great responsibility. I thank Rahul Gandhi and others for that. Lakhs of UDF workers and leaders worked hard in this election. I am grateful to them for that,".

Hailing the Congress organisation, he said, "Congress is no ordinary party; there is a galaxy of leadership. They have given me feedback and advice and pulled me up when I was wrong."

He also said the Congress Legislature Party will meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar after the legislative meeting to stake claim to form the government. The decision on ministers, he said, would be taken by the party.

Looking ahead, Satheesan flagged Kerala’s fiscal condition as a key challenge, saying, "There will be a new era, a new Kerala. We know the fiscal situation of Kerala is vulnerable. We are hopeful that we can change everything. All AICC leaders called me and congratulated me,".

KC Venugopal thanked MLAs, party workers and functionaries for their support, saying the leadership process involved wide consultation.

"Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi discussed about the situation and the decision making process. They called me and asked me my opinion and we all discussed that... I am thanking the MLAs, party workers, party functionaries for the support they have given to me. Finally, the party took a decision and as a sincere Congressman we are all behind the party decision," said Venugopal.

Celebrations broke out across Kerala after V D Satheesan was selected by the Congress High Command as the next chief minister of the state.

Satheesan was at Contonment House in Thiruvananthapuram, the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition, when the announcement was made by AICC leaders in New Delhi.

Soon after the decision was declared, supporters across the state burst firecrackers and distributed sweets to celebrate the announcement.

Large-scale celebrations were reported in Paravur in Ernakulam district, the constituency Satheesan has represented since 2001.

Satheesan had been widely seen as the frontrunner for the post, with key UDF allies also backing his candidature during the selection process.

As leader of opposition in the outgoing Assembly, he played a key role in leading the United Democratic Front both inside the House and on the ground.

Apart from Satheesan, senior leaders Ramesh Chennithala and K C Venugopal were also considered for the top post.

KC Venugopal welcomed Congress' decision of naming VD Satheesan as Kerala's new CM.

General secretary Venugopal said, "The final decision has come, and the Congress high command decided VD Satheesan as the Chief Ministerial candidate for Keralam Government. I am welcoming that decision wholeheartedly. I am congratulating VD Satheesan on this position. I think that people of Keralam have given a big verdict for the UDF. The government and the leadership of VD Satheesan can fulfil the aspirations and promises of the people of Keralam. Certainly, we are totally behind the government of Keralam."

Mallikarjun Kharge held last-minute consultations with senior party leaders before of the announcement of the Congress’s chief minister pick for Kerala.

According to sources, Kharge held discussions with AICC general secretary in-charge of Kerala Deepa Dasmunshi and senior observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik, who had earlier met all newly elected MLAs in the state.

Senior leader Rahul Gandhi also held a 30-minute meeting with Kharge on Wednesday evening to discuss the leadership decision. He is also reported to have met AICC general secretary K C Venugopal on Thursday morning.

The Congress leadership has announced V D Satheesan as the new Chief Minister of Kerala, bringing an end to days of intense political suspense following the Assembly election results.

Satheesan’s name had been among the leading contenders alongside K C Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala in the race for the top post. The final decision follows nearly 10 days of internal discussions, deliberations in Delhi, and coordination between state leaders and the central leadership.

The Congress-led UDF secured a strong mandate in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, winning 102 out of 140 seats, marking a decisive return to power after a decade in opposition. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) was reduced to 35 seats in the polls.

The announcement of Satheesan as chief minister is expected to pave the way for government formation in Kerala, with the new cabinet likely to be sworn in in the coming days.

A press briefing scheduled at 12 pm by senior Congress leaders Ajay Maken and Deepa Dasmunshi is expected to precede the formal announcement regarding Kerala CM.

Chandy Oommen, son of late Congress leader Oommen Chandy, said there is no delay in selecting Kerala’s next chief minister, pointing out that the Constitution allows time up to May 23 for the process.

The newly elected MLA from Puthuppally said the Congress is not an autocratic organisation and must consult all stakeholders, consider differing views, and deliberate on multiple claims before reaching a final decision.

He said discussions are a natural part of a democratic party process when several capable leaders are in contention.

“When there are so many eligible leaders, what is wrong in the party holding discussions with everyone? There is nothing wrong in it. As per democratic norms, we are holding a meeting and after that the decision will be announced,” he said in an interview to a television channel.

On the composition of the future cabinet, he said the party leadership will take a call on ministerial appointments.

Responding to criticism from the CPI(M) over the delay in naming the Chief Minister, Oommen pointed out that in 2021, the oath-taking ceremony in Kerala took place 18 days after the election results were declared.

The Congress-led UDF secured a strong two-thirds majority in the Kerala Assembly elections, but has been engaged in internal discussions over its chief ministerial choice due to multiple contenders and differing opinions within the party.

Senior leaders including K C Venugopal, V D Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala are among those being considered for the post.

Congress leader Joseph Vazhackansaid the delay in selecting Kerala’s next chief minister is a normal part of the process and should not be viewed negatively.

Speaking to reporters, he said the party leadership is working carefully to ensure that no leader is disappointed or hurt in the course of the decision-making.

He noted that the high command will take the final decision on the chief ministerial candidate, with V D Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and K C Venugopal among those under consideration, reported PTI.

Vazhackan added that it is natural for multiple senior leaders to be in contention and said it is not possible to predict the outcome at this stage.

He described the current delay as not unusual, pointing out that similar situations have occurred in the past, including within other parties such as the CPI(M) while selecting a chief minister. He said when leaders of comparable stature are involved, some time is required to arrive at a careful decision.

According to him, the priority should be to ensure that the final decision is made without error or internal friction.

Vazhackan, who is considered close to Ramesh Chennithala, also said the Haripad MLA is a senior leader and a strong contender for the post. He added that all candidates have put forward their credentials and there is nothing wrong in the process, as the final call rests with the high command.

He further stated that the scheduled Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting in Thiruvananthapuram will not be postponed. However, he said a slight adjustment in timing may be possible if AICC leaders are delayed.

He confirmed that the AICC leadership is expected to arrive in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday and announce the CLP leader, who will go on to become the next Chief Minister of Kerala.

Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan praised the party high command for following a transparent and structured process in selecting the next Chief Minister of Kerala.

Speaking to reporters, the Kottayam MLA said the leadership had engaged with all stakeholders and that Rahul Gandhi was directly involved in the discussions guiding the decision-making process.

He described the exercise as a clear and accountable one that should not be questioned. According to him, such procedures are essential in a democratic system. He also expressed satisfaction with the manner in which the high command handled the selection process.

Radhakrishnan said that when multiple names are in contention, some level of confusion is natural. He added that it is unrealistic to expect unanimous opinion in a democratic party like Congress, which functions through a coordinated leadership structure.

He noted that the party leadership had followed all required steps, including the CLP meeting, discussions in New Delhi, and further internal consultations before arriving at a final decision.

While acknowledging that the CLP had delegated the final decision to the high command, he said extensive discussions still took place before reaching a conclusion.

Radhakrishnan also made it clear that he would fully support the party’s final choice, even if his preferred candidate was not selected. He said loyalty to the organisation required adherence to the decisions of the high command.

He further explained that once the CLP leader is chosen, a formal communication will be submitted to the Governor inviting the selected leader to form the government. He added that this letter is typically signed by MLAs or by the leader of the alliance supporting the formation of the government.

Kerala next chief minister's key contenders made their final public and political moves, adding to the anticipation surrounding the decision.

Senior leader V D Satheesan travelled to Thiruvananthapuram along with his family, while Ramesh Chennithala engaged warmly with reporters outside his residence in the state capital. Meanwhile, K C Venugopal was seen arriving at Rahul Gandhi’s residence in New Delhi, further intensifying speculation over the leadership choice.

Television visuals showed Venugopal leaving his official residence before reaching Rahul Gandhi’s home shortly thereafter. In Aluva, a large number of supporters gathered outside Satheesan’s residence, wishing him luck as he departed for the state capital with his family.

Neither Satheesan nor Venugopal spoke to the media, while Chennithala greeted journalists with a smile, saying he had missed them in recent days and even offered them tea.

The CLP meeting to elect the legislature party leader will be held at 1 pm at the KPCC headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. The meeting follows high-level discussions between Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Although the Congress-led UDF secured a strong majority in the Kerala Assembly elections, the party has been delayed in naming its ch

Kerala Congress (J) chairman P J Joseph reiterated that the party will demand two ministerial berths once the UDF comes to power.

The UDF won 102 of the 140 seats, while Kerala Congress (J) secured seven MLAs.

“We will raise our claim in the UDF meeting. We will ask for two ministerial posts,” Joseph said, as quoted by PTI.

He also expressed hope that the Congress leadership would take alliance partners’ views into account while selecting the next chief minister.

Responding to criticism by NSS general secretary G Sukumaran about alleged interference by UDF allies—particularly the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)—in the chief minister selection process, Joseph said his party had only conveyed the view that the chief minister should be chosen from among elected MLAs.

“That was stated after our opinion was sought,” he clarified.

Leaders including V D Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and Congress MP K C Venugopal are among those being considered for the chief minister’s post.

Joseph added that the delegation may also meet the Governor, which is why the UDF meeting is being held in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kerala Congress has contacted the Governor’s office seeking an appointment for today, which has reportedly been granted.

Kerala is finally set to get its chief minister, with the Congress expected to name its legislative party leader at a meeting of newly elected MLAs at the KPCC headquarters in the afternoon.

The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting, scheduled for 1 pm on May 14, was announced a day earlier by KPCC chief Sunny Joseph.

The decision follows signals from the Congress high command after several days of discussions with leaders from the southern state, indicating that the next chief minister will be finalised on Thursday.

Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh conveyed the development after a meeting between Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at the latter’s residence in New Delhi.

Although the Congress-led UDF secured a two-thirds majority in the Kerala Assembly elections, the party has faced delays in finalising its chief ministerial candidate due to internal lobbying and protests from grassroots workers.

Prominent contenders for the post include AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, outgoing Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala.

CPM leader V Sivankutty on Thursday said that lack of a cabinet, even after 10 days of declaration of the Kerala assembly poll results, has created a crisis in the general education department and affected its smooth functioning due to the lack of a minister to oversee it.

Sivankutty, the former General Education Minister of State, highlighted the lack of a minister to oversee the department in a Facebook post.

He said that now was the time when proper ministerial interventions were required in every activity of the department, especially regarding the declaration of the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) results.

However, the absence of the minister has hindered the decision making process as lakhs of students and parents wait for the announcement of the results, he said.

Similarly, the activities to ensure the fitness of schools, as the academic year is about to begin, are also in disorder, he claimed in his post.

With suspense over the next Kerala chief minister face continuing even 10 days after the announcement of assembly election results, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday held a final round of discussions with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge.

The Congress leadership has been unable to decide on a chief ministerial face after the United Democratic Front (UDF) stormed to victory with over two-thirds majority in the just concluded elections in the state.

Gandhi drove down to Kharge's residence for the meeting, which lasted about 40 minutes. No official statement was issued immediately after the meeting.

Gandhi had previously met several leaders from Kerala and around eight former state unit chiefs to ascertain the ground situation.

Protests at the ground level by ordinary party workers had prompted the party leadership to hold discussions with state leaders before finalising the next chief minister.

The race for the state's top post started after the powerful AICC general secretary for organisation, K C Venugopal, threw his hat in the ring. He enjoys the support of a majority of Congress MLAs.

After 9 days of intense lobbying that fuelled rumours, Congress will end the suspense on Thursday morning by naming Kerala’s next chief minister, with leader of opposition V D Satheesan, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and veteran Ramesh Chennithala in contention.

All three aspirants strongly pressed their claims before the Congress leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi at a one-on-one interaction last Saturday. While Venugopal, a Rahul confidant, is said to have garnered the support of a majority of MLAs, Satheesan is widely viewed as the man who spearheaded the party and UDF charge during the five years of the Left front govt, which won a repeat term in 2021. Chennit-hala pitched his case on seniority and acceptability. AICC spokesman Jairam Ramesh said the high command would announce the CM nominee on Thursday. Rahul held a 40-minute discussion with Kharge on Wednesday.

The CLP meeting is scheduled to be held at the KPCC headquarters here on Thursday afternoon to elect its legislative leader, as the party moves towards announcing its chief ministerial candidate for Kerala.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by KPCC chief Sunny Joseph, the Congress Legislature Party meeting will be held at 1 pm on May 14.

The announcement came as the Congress high command indicated that the suspense over the next chief minister of Kerala would end on Thursday, nearly 10 days after the Assembly election results were declared.

After a meeting between Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at the latter's residence in New Delhi, party general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the leadership had completed discussions on the issue.

"As authorised by the members of the CLP in Kerala, the high command of the Congress has completed all discussions, and the decision on who the next chief minister of Kerala will be announced tomorrow," Ramesh told reporters.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph announced that the Congress Parliamentary Party meeting will be held at the KPCC headquarters on Thursday.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the party leadership has completed discussions on the next chief minister of Kerala and the decision will be announced on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters, he said, “As authorised by the members of the CLP in Kerala, the high command of Congress has completed all discussions. The decision on who the next CM of Kerala will be announced tomorrow.”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi held a final round of discussions with party president Mallikarjun Kharge amid continuing suspense over the next Kerala chief minister, even 10 days after the assembly election results were announced.

Rahul Gandhi drove to Kharge's residence for the meeting, which lasted around 40 minutes. No official statement was issued immediately after the discussions.

The Congress leadership has so far been unable to finalise a chief ministerial face despite the UDF securing a massive victory in the Kerala assembly elections. The race for the top post has intensified with KC Venugopal, VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala all being seen as contenders.

Sources said protests by party workers and differing views within the party delayed the decision-making process, while Sonia Gandhi’s health-related check-up at Medanta Hospital also affected consultations. The Congress is expected to announce its Kerala CM pick later on Wednesday night, news agency PTI reported.

Supporters of Congress leader and Paravur MLA VD Satheesan gathered outside his residence in Kochi as the Congress high command continued deliberations in Delhi over the next chief minister of Kerala.

The gathering comes amid intense speculation around the Congress leadership choice after the party’s massive victory in the Kerala assembly elections. Satheesan is widely seen as one of the frontrunners for the top post alongside senior leaders Ramesh Chennithala and KC Venugopal

State Congress president Sunny Joseph said," We expect the Chief Minister's name to be announced today. It is understood that all discussions have been completed. We are waiting for the announcement today. Sonia Gandhi was in the hospital, so there could be a slight delay because of that. The Chief Minister's name will be announced from Delhi."

As the suspense over the Keralam Chief Minister continues 10 days after the results were announced, CPI Rajya Sabha MP P Sandosh Kumar on Wednesday slammed Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), accusing them of "insulting the feelings of lakhs of Malayali voters".

Speaking with ANI, P Sandosh Kumar, said that their selection process has "become a joke"

"Congress party is actually insulting the feelings of lakhs of Malayali voters. In all the other states, the CM has already taken oath and is in office... We are waiting. This has become a joke," he said.

Earlier, LDF Convenor TP Ramakrishnan said the Congress is failing in its responsibility towards the people.

"Congress has still not decided who the Chief Minister will be. The party has a responsibility to do justice to the people, but it is not fulfilling that responsibility," he said, highlighting the delay in CM announcement.

Keralam Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, and senior party leader Ramesh Chennithala are seen among the top contenders for the Chief Minister post.

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leaders arrived at Panakkad in Keralam on Wednesday for an emergency leadership meeting as suspense continued over the Congress-led United Democratic Front's (UDF) decision on the next chief minister of the state.

The meeting comes amid ongoing discussions within the UDF over government formation following the alliance's victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.

The key agenda of the IUML meeting is to finalise ministerial representation in the new government. Senior leaders, including PK Kunjalikutty, PK Basheer, KM Shaji and NM Shamsudheen, are among those being considered for ministerial positions.

Sources said that if the party secures a fifth ministerial berth in the new cabinet, AKM Ashraf from Kasaragod is likely to be accommodated. However, if the additional berth is not granted, the IUML is expected to seek key constitutional or legislative posts such as Speaker, Deputy Speaker or Chief Whip.

The meeting is also likely to deliberate on assigning official responsibilities to senior leaders MK Muneer and KP A Majeed within either the party or the government structure.

Meanwhile, uncertainty over the Chief Ministerial face in Kerala has triggered visible discontent among Congress supporters in Wayanad. Posters criticising Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and the party high command appeared near the Wayanad District Congress Committee office.

New elected West Bengal legislators, including chief minister Sivendu Adhikari, took oath in the Assembly on Wednesday. Pro tem Speaker Tapas Roy administered the oath.

Newly appointed state ministers -- Agnimitra Paul, Dilip Ghosh, Ashok Kirtania, Kshudiram Tudu, and Nisith Pramanik -- were among those who took oath as MLAs in the 294-member House.

On his first day in the assembly as the chief minister, Adhikari offered floral tributes to the statue of B R Ambedkar and was accorded a guard of honour on the premises.

He knelt at the entrance of the House and touched his forehead to the ground before entering the assembly.

Adhikari, who led the BJP to its maiden victory in the state, won from both Bhabanipur and Nandigram in the recently concluded assembly polls.

Officials said the chief minister is scheduled to hold a review meeting with all departmental secretaries at the state secretariat Nabanna at 2 pm.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Wednesday attacked the Congress over the delay in naming the next chief minister of Kerala, alleging that the party was “confused” despite securing a strong mandate in the state.

Speaking to IANS, Poonawalla said it had been nine days since the election result but the Congress had still not finalised its chief minister.

“Today I have brought binoculars because I am using them to look and see that it has been nine days. Where is the Chief Minister of Kerala? People voted saying they want a Chief Minister to be appointed, but even with binoculars, the Congress party’s Chief Minister cannot be found,” he said.

He further mocked the party, saying INC stood for “I Need Confusion,” and added that the Congress should take lessons from the BJP’s governance.

“In West Bengal, a government has been formed and cabinet decisions have also started. In Assam, the government has been formed. But in places where the Indian National Congress has a full majority, there is complete confusion,” he said.

Puducherry LG K Kailashnathan administered the oath of office to N. Rangasamy. BJP national president Nitin Nabin also attended the oath ceremony.

Patience appears to be running out for UDF coalition partner IUML over the delay in selecting the new Kerala CM, with more of its leaders saying they were unable to face the public’s questions on the issue.

Indian Union Muslim League's (IUML) MLA elect from Tirur assembly, Kurukkoli Moideen, told reporters here on Wednesday that wherever he goes people, especially women, keep asking him why the chief minister selection was being delayed.

But more than the delay, the open differences within the Congress over the issue is the main problem, he said.

"It has become a big issue. Even Congress workers are disappointed. Even women are asking when will the CM be selected. I am sure all of this will be resolved as the Congress has a strong leadership," he said.

Kerala is likely to know the name of its next chief minister later on Wednesday, with indications that the Congress high command could make an announcement before noon.

The delay in the decision has kept the camps of three top contenders--AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala on edge.

As the Congress leadership continued discussions over the selection of Kerala's next chief minister, party leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday met former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) presidents in Delhi to gather their views and help end the prolonged uncertainty.

Sources said the Kerala leaders called to Delhi by the party leadership during crucial discussions on Tuesday expressed their views on the Chief Ministerial choice, with the names of Venugopal, Satheesan and Chennithala figuring prominently in the consultations as the high command continued its deliberations.

Former KPCC chief K Muraleedharan, after meeting Gandhi, said the party was expected to announce the Chief Minister's name by Wednesday.

Another former state Congress president, V M Sudheeran, said he had a detailed discussion with Rahul on the political situation in Kerala and the public mood in the state. He said he hoped the party leadership would take a decision keeping the sentiments of the people in mind.

A meme joking that voters would now receive a "summons" from the Congress high command to decide the state's new chief minister said it all. The weeklong suspense has spilled far beyond the Delhi consultations, with memes, trolls, online polls and sarcastic commentary turning the leadership tussle into an internet festival.

While the race is widely believed to be among senior leaders K C Venugopal, V D Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala, the prolonged silence has triggered an unusual wave of online sarcasm alongside growing curiosity. From Facebook comment sections to WhatsApp groups and Instagram reels, Kerala's politically hyperactive social media users appear to have collectively decided that if the Congress leadership will not provide answers, the internet certainly will.