Congress Chief Kharge to Hold Talks with Kerala Leaders Amid CM Debate

AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge will hold discussions with senior Kerala leaders, including K.C. Venugopal, V.D. Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala, today evening to resolve the crisis over the selection of a Chief Minister. The meeting is expected to result in a final decision on the post, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi likely to meet the Kerala leaders only after a consensus emerges from the meeting.

According to sources, Mr. Kharge will hold discussions with the Kerala leaders based on the report submitted by the AICC observers sent to the State. Mr. Gandhi had instructed that any decision on the Chief Minister’s post should be taken only after taking the three prospective candidates into confidence, although the final decision rests with the Congress high command.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kharge directed the State leadership to take strict action against those violating party discipline and decorum in connection with the Chief Minister controversy in Kerala. The high command has conveyed that any attempt to tarnish the party’s image will not be tolerated.

The Congress high command will announce its decision on the Chief Minister's post after the meeting, with the KPCC president stating that the final decision would be made by the Congress high command and that the KPCC has no role in it. The court of public opinion and party dynamics will continue to shape the outcome, and the party's next steps will be closely watched.