Congress is expected to take a final call soon on Kerala’s next chief minister, but the Indian Union Muslim League’s (IUML) open support for senior leader V.D. Satheesan has added a fresh political twist to the discussion. After the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) decisive victory in the Kerala Assembly elections, attention has now shifted to who will lead the new government. V.D. Satheesan, K.C. Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala are among the names being discussed within the party.

Satheesan, who served as the Leader of the Opposition during the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, is widely seen as a strong contender due to his aggressive campaign against the ruling Left and his popularity among party workers. However, the public backing from IUML leaders is reportedly creating discomfort within sections of the Congress leadership.

According to political sources, some Congress leaders fear that openly accepting a candidate strongly supported by the IUML could give political opponents, especially the BJP, an opportunity to attack the party over minority appeasement. The Congress high command is therefore believed to be approaching the decision carefully.

The IUML, one of the Congress party’s key allies in Kerala, has considerable influence in the state, particularly in the Malabar region. Party leaders have publicly indicated that Satheesan would be their preferred choice for the chief minister’s post. While the support highlights Satheesan’s standing within the alliance, it has also sparked internal debate inside Congress circles.

Several Congress workers and leaders reportedly believe the chief ministerial decision should remain an internal matter of the party without visible pressure from alliance partners. Political observers say the situation reflects the delicate balance Congress must maintain between alliance management and internal factional politics. Supporters of different leaders have intensified lobbying efforts across Kerala. Posters, campaigns and social media messages backing individual contenders have become increasingly visible since the election results were announced.

The delay in naming the chief minister has also become a talking point in Kerala politics. While the Congress leadership wants to avoid a rushed decision that could create divisions within the party, prolonged uncertainty has started generating impatience among party workers and UDF supporters.

Sources indicate that consultations are continuing at the highest level, with senior Congress leaders holding discussions to arrive at a consensus candidate. Rahul Gandhi and the party’s central leadership are expected to play a key role in the final decision. Political analysts believe the choice of chief minister will not only determine the direction of the next Kerala government but could also shape the Congress party’s internal power structure in the state for years ahead. An official announcement from the Congress leadership is expected soon.