Pulling strings for CM’s chair: 47 MLAs support K C, Satheesan and Chennithala say all factors should be considered

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Discussions on deciding the chief minister of Kerala are heating up inside and outside the party. The Congress Legislature Party meeting passed a resolution accepting that the decision will be taken by the high command. AICC observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken held discussions with leaders like K Sudhakaran, V M Sudheeran and Kodikunnil Suresh. The opinion of the MLAs will also be sought. The meeting will be held in the media room at the KPCC headquarters. The AICC observers will meet 63 MLAs together and individually and discuss.

Meanwhile, leaders are pulling strings for the CM's chair. K C Venugopal has informed the MLAs who support him that he will not withdraw from the CM’s contest. The KC faction is hoping to get Rahul Gandhi's approval if it proves its majority. However, VD Satheesan has asked observers that the number of MLAs should not be the only consideration. Satheesan's argument is that all factors should be considered. There are also indications that Ramesh Chennithala-VD Satheesan factions will join hands to prevent KC Venugopal from being considered.

The KC faction assures the support of 47 MLAs. When Chennithala says that he has the support of 16 MLAs, Satheesan says that he has nine MLAs with him. The leaders are also concerned whether the MLAs will remain firm in their opinions in the meeting with the observers. There are also indications that many have been offered ministerial posts. The decision will be announced after the observers return to Delhi. The decision on the chief minister will be taken by Sunday.