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The majority of the 21 newly elected Congress MLAs from the Malabar region have thrown their weight behind All India Congress Committee general secretary K.C. Venugopal for the Kerala Chief Minister's post. Of the MLAs-elect from Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Kannur, Wayanad, and Kasaragod, almost all are said to support Mr. Venugopal, who they proposed to AICC observers during one-on-one meetings.
The Indian Union Muslim League, the second-largest constituent of the Congress-led United Democratic Front, has reportedly thrown its weight behind V.D. Satheesan. Although the IUML has not publicly supported any candidate, its leadership has maintained that the decision rests with the Congress and would be shaped by people's sentiments.
IUML national general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty and other leaders met AICC observers on Thursday, conveying the Muslim League's opinion, but refused to divulge further details.
The decision on the Chief Minister post is expected to be made by the Congress high command, with the IUML stating that it would be guided by people's sentiments. The Congress high command will take into account the opinions of its MLAs and allies before making a decision, with an announcement expected in the coming days.