Kerala Assembly Elections 2026Indian National CongressRamesh ChennithalaChief Minister SelectionMallikarjun Kharge
Chennithala Defends Congress's Democratic Process in Kerala CM Selection
Published: May 10, 2026
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Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Sunday (May 10, 2026) defended the party's delayed announcement on Kerala's next Chief Minister, stating the selection follows a democratic process and rejecting BJP criticism. Speaking in New Delhi, Chennithala, a contender for the post alongside V.D. Satheesan and K.C. Venugopal, said the Congress does not function on directives from a single authority, unlike the BJP.
He said the Congress high command had consulted all relevant leaders, including KPCC chief Sunny Joseph and AICC in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi, following a meeting chaired by party president Mallikarjun Kharge on May 9. 'Everyone has been consulted. The high command will take a decision as early as possible,' Chennithala said, noting only five days had passed since the Assembly election results.
Chennithala criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for centralizing decisions in the BJP, pointing to the party's 50-day delay in appointing a Chief Minister in Delhi after the 2025 elections. 'Modi, who created uncertainty in New Delhi for 50 days without declaring a Chief Minister, is criticising us now. He should not forget that,' he said.
Kerala Congress leaders and Dasmunshi have appealed to party workers to avoid protests and publicity campaigns on the leadership issue. The AICC is expected to announce the Congress Legislature Party leader shortly, who will be sworn in as Kerala's next Chief Minister.