The race to name Kerala's next Chief Minister entered its final stretch on Friday, 8 May, as All India Congress Committee (AICC) observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik personally handed over their detailed consultation report to Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge at his residence in New Delhi. An announcement on the new Chief Minister is now expected by Sunday.

The report was prepared after marathon discussions with newly elected MLAs and senior leaders in Kerala, assessing three key factors: the support commanded by individual contenders among legislators, the stance of alliance partners, and the prevailing public mood.

The Leaked List Controversy

Even as the high command began deliberations, a fresh controversy erupted over photographs and lists circulated in sections of the media, purportedly revealing the support position of Congress MLAs during the leadership consultations. The leaked images triggered intense political debate, with rival camps attempting to project momentum for their respective candidates.

Observer Mukul Wasnik firmly rejected the authenticity of the circulated documents, clarifying that the images were not the actual or final records prepared by the observers and did not reflect the real outcome of the consultations. According to Wasnik, what surfaced publicly were merely photographs of papers in the possession of the observers — not the official assessment submitted to the Congress President.

The controversy deepened after Uduma MLA-elect K. Neelakandan complained to the observers that the leaked list had incorrectly represented his position. Neelakandan maintained that he had clearly conveyed his opinion during consultations and demanded that the facts be verified, further fuelling doubts within the party over the credibility of the circulated lists.

The Three Contenders and Their Claimed Support

At the centre of the power struggle are K.C. Venugopal, V.D. Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala, all of whom continue to press strong claims for the Chief Minister's post. Rival camps have simultaneously intensified efforts to shape public opinion through cadre mobilisation and social media campaigns.

Leaders aligned with Venugopal claim he enjoys the backing of 48 MLAs, while supporters of Satheesan and Chennithala claim 35 and 23 legislators respectively. Earlier, the Congress Legislature Party had unanimously passed a one-line resolution authorising Kharge to take the final call on the Chief Minister.

Compromise Formula Being Explored

Amid fears that the leadership tussle could deepen internal divisions, the high command is reportedly exploring a compromise formula aimed at accommodating rival camps. Discussions are believed to include the possibility of a Deputy Chief Minister post and allocation of key portfolios, though no final understanding has yet emerged.

Notably, observer Ajay Maken indicated that discussions on the report had already begun and clarified that the leadership would not unduly delay the final decision.

Rahul Gandhi to Hold Final Consultations Saturday

The next crucial development is expected after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi holds consultations with Kerala leaders in Delhi on Saturday. V.D. Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph are expected to join the discussions, while Venugopal is already in the national capital. Gandhi is also likely to meet the contenders separately before the final decision is announced.

Newly elected Thrikaripur MLA Sandeep Warrier described the ongoing exercise as proof of the democratic culture within the Congress, arguing that the party actively seeks the views of elected representatives before arriving at major decisions. Congress leaders insist the prolonged consultations reflect internal democracy rather than division. With lobbying entering its final hours, the party leadership now faces the delicate task of balancing competing ambitions while ensuring unity — and by Sunday, Kerala is expected to finally know who will lead its new government.