KC Venugopal is leading in the race to become the next Chief Minister of Kerala, according to Congress sources, after observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik submitted their report to party chief Mallikarjun Kharge. The party wants to finalize the name as soon as possible, with Venugopal, VD Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala on the shortlist.

The Congress has secured a big win in the 140-seat House, picking up 63 seats on its own and 102 with allies. The outgoing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's CPM-led Left Democratic Front got only 35 seats.

The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place on Monday, with Rahul Gandhi and superstar actor Vijay likely to attend.

The immediate next steps include the finalization of the Chief Minister's name and the swearing-in ceremony, with the party aiming to complete the process soon. The court is not involved in this process, but the party's decision will be based on views from incoming lawmakers, alliance partners, and the public.