KC Venugopal emerges as the frontrunner in Kerala CM race, Congress decision soon
Senior Congress leader K C Venugopal has moved ahead in the race to become the next Chief Minister of Kerala, NDTV, quoting sources, reported on Friday, after party observers submitted their report to chief Mallikarjun Kharge.
Observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik handed over their assessment after consulting newly elected legislators, alliance partners and other stakeholders following the United Democratic Front victory in the Assembly election.
As per NDTV's sources, the party wants to finalise the chief ministerial face at the earliest, with the swearing-in ceremony expected on Monday.
Venugopal leads shortlist
Venugopal is understood to be leading a shortlist that also includes V D Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing Assembly, and veteran leader Ramesh Chennithala.
The 63-year-old is currently the Congress General Secretary and a Lok Sabha MP from Alappuzha. If chosen as chief minister, he would have to resign from Parliament.
Outside Congress offices in Kerala, party workers put up posters projecting Venugopal as the key strategist behind the UDF’s emphatic win. Some banners described him as the “nayakan” and “hero” of the campaign.
Big win for UDF
The Congress-led UDF scored a decisive victory in the 140-member Assembly, winning 102 seats with allies.
Congress secured 63 seats on its own, while partners, including the Indian Union Muslim League and Kerala Congress, added to the tally.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front, headed by outgoing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, was reduced to 35 seats.
According to reports, Rahul Gandhi is expected to attend Monday’s swearing-in ceremony. Pinarayi Vijayan may also be invited as part of the formal transition.
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