The Congress party has begun discussions to select the next Chief Minister of Kerala, with senior leader KC Venugopal emerging as a strong contender. Venugopal, who played a key role in the party's campaign, has met with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi.

Venugopal is being projected by party workers as the "real architect" of the UDF's massive victory, with posters and banners portraying him as the "Nayakan" displayed outside the Congress office.

Another major contender is VD Satheesan, who led the Congress campaign in Kerala and played a key role in the election. However, Satheesan has landed in controversy over his recent remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which triggered criticism from sections within and outside the Congress.

Former Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala is also actively in the race, having met with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi. The party is expected to evaluate leadership capability, administrative experience, and the views of MLAs before taking a final call on the next Chief Minister. The Congress party's high command will likely announce its decision in the coming days, with the new Chief Minister set to take office soon.