Congress MLA-designate Sandeep Varier on Friday praised the party's democratic process for selecting the Chief Minister, saying it is a system that does not exist in the BJP and the CPI(M). Varier, who won from Thrikkarippur, made the comments after meeting Indian Union Muslim League State president Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal in Malappuram.

Varier was asked about a photograph allegedly showing a list of Congress MLAs' preferences for the Chief Minister's post, with some leaders reportedly supporting K C Venugopal. Varier said the party's internal democracy allows for such discussions, and that people should appreciate this exercise.

The debates over the Chief Minister's post are natural, according to Varier, who said that selecting a leader without consulting MLAs would be wrong.

The party will take a final decision on the Chief Minister's post, which all leaders will accept, Varier said. The Congress is expected to announce its decision on the Chief Minister's post in the coming days, with the party's legislative meeting scheduled to resume soon.