Congress Leaders Gather in Thiruvananthapuram Following UDF Victory in Kerala Elections
In the wake of a significant electoral victory, Congress leaders and AICC observers convened in Thiruvananthapuram to discuss the selection of a Chief Minister candidate for Kerala. The meeting follows the UDF's impressive win, ending a decade of LDF governance. Senior leaders emphasized the importance of evaluating newly elected legislators and preparing a report for the High Command. With Congress emerging as the largest party in the coalition, the discussions are crucial for shaping the state's political future. Read on to discover more about the implications of this victory and the upcoming decisions.
May 7, 2026, 12:30 IST
Congress Leaders Meet to Discuss Chief Minister Candidate
After a significant victory in the Kerala Assembly elections, leaders from the United Democratic Front (UDF) arrived at the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee office in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. Among them were Congress leaders and AICC observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik, who attended a meeting of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP). Upon arrival, Ajay Maken informed reporters that they were there to participate in discussions regarding the Chief Minister position, stating, 'Let’s see what the legislators want.'
This meeting holds great importance as the Congress leadership begins deliberations on selecting a candidate for Chief Minister following the decisive mandate received by the UDF-led coalition. Earlier in the day, senior leaders from the Kerala Congress, including V.D. Satheesan, K. Suresh, and Deepa Dasmunshi, gathered at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram to meet with the observers. Congress MP K. Suresh explained that appointing observers post-election is a standard procedure by the Congress High Command. He emphasized that this is part of the High Command's process, which sends observers for the selection and election of the CLP leader, regardless of whether the Congress secures a majority.
Suresh further noted that Mukul Wasnik's prior experience as the Kerala in-charge and Ajay Maken's senior organizational role make them well-suited to assess the political landscape of the state. He mentioned that after evaluating various newly elected legislators, they would submit a report to the High Command. Based on this report and discussions with senior leaders, the High Command will make an informed decision.
When asked about his aspirations, the Congress MP stated that he would adhere to the decisions made by the party's higher command. The UDF, led by Congress, achieved a remarkable victory by winning 102 out of 140 seats in the Kerala Assembly, effectively ending the decade-long rule of the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Congress emerged as the largest party in the coalition with 63 seats, while its ally, the Indian Union Muslim League, secured 22 seats.