Kochi: Congress national leadership is struggling to find a Chief Minister candidate in Kerala as Ramesh Chennithala, V D Satheesan and K C Venugopal refused to compromise on Thursday.
Party observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken are holding talks with Satheesan in Thiruvananthapuram.
Congress general secretary in charge of Kerala Deepa Dasmunsi is also engaged in talks.
They are expected to meet all the 63 newly elected party MLAs separately.
They are asked to submit their report to the party high command in New Delhi.
Congress emerged as the single largest party in the UDF’s emphatic victory defeating Communist government headed by Pinarayi Vijayan.
Satheesan played a crucial role in the Congress resurgence in Kerala and aggressively campaigned against the Left government.
Chennithala is much senior and is highly experienced for his association with veteran leaders like Late Chief Minister’s K Karunakaran, A K Antony and Ommen Chandy. Chennithala claims to enjoy the backing of a section of senior leaders and organisational loyalists.
Venugopal’s proximity to Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi makes him more powerful.
Rahul Gandhi is learnt to have sought detailed feedback on the developments before a final call is taken.
Congress’ key partner Muslim League has backed Satheesan’s leadership during the election campaign.
Congress also faces the challenge of allocating portfolios to Muslim League which is likely to demand key posts like Home, Education, Health, and Deputy Chief Minister seat.
Congress CM post fight continues
