The Congress Legislative Party in Kerala, which met on Thursday, passed a resolution authorizing the party high command to choose the next Chief Minister of the state. The meeting, attended by 63 Congress legislators, was facilitated by All India Congress Committee (AICC) observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken, as well as AICC general secretary and Kerala in-charge Deepa Dasmunsi.

The three leaders in contention for the Chief Minister's post are outgoing Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, AICC general secretary (organisation) and Alappuzha MP K.C. Venugopal, and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala.

The majority of the UDF alliance partners, including the Indian Union Muslim League, have expressed support for Mr. Satheesan. IUML general secretary P. K. Kunhalikutty said that the party has conveyed its choice to the observers.

The observers will convey the opinions of the MLAs, MPs, and alliance partners to the high command, which is expected to take a final call after talks with the three leaders in contention. The decision is expected to be made soon, with the new government likely to be sworn in without much delay.