Kerala CM debate: Kharge to hold crucial talks with senior leaders today evening

Amid the ongoing crisis within the Congress over the selection of a Chief Minister for Kerala, All India Congress Committee (AICC) chief Mallikarjun Kharge will hold talks with prominent leaders in the fray like KC Venugopal, VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala, along with KPCC president Sunny Joseph and other leaders on Saturday evening, May 9, 2026. A final decision on the critical mission is expected to be made at the meeting.

According to sources, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is likely to meet Kerala leaders only after consensus is reached in the meeting chaired by Mr. Kharge.

Mr. Kharge is expected to hold talks with Kerala leaders based on the report submitted by AICC observers sent to the state. Mr. Gandhi had directed that any decision regarding the Prime Minister’s post should be taken only after taking the confidence of the three prospective candidates, although the final decision rests with the Congress high command.

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

KPCC president Mr. Sunny Joseph told the media that the final decision regarding the PM’s post will be taken by the Congress high command and KPCC has no role in the matter. Seeking a broader consensus, Congress leader K. Muraleedharan said that the views of constituent parties in the United Democratic Front (UDF) should also be taken into consideration along with the views of MLAs in the debate on the Chief Minister candidate. Dismissing poster campaigns run by different groups, Mr. Muraleedharan said flexible boards and processions will not affect the selection of the Prime Minister and seniority alone should not determine the selection.

Meanwhile, supporters of various groups have set up widespread flex hoardings in various parts of the state, including Thiruvananthapuram, where posters against Mr. Satheesan’s candidature appeared on Saturday.

Flexible boards supporting Mr. Venugopal were also present in Mr. Satheesan’s constituency. Meanwhile, a protest was held in Malappuram, where Mr. Venugopal’s flexible boards were spray-painted. The flexible board installed in front of the DCC office in the name of Janakiya Munnani expressed support for Mr. Satheesan.