Kerala CM Swearing-In Likely On May 14 As Congress Speeds Up Talks; CM Announcement On Tuesday

The Congress party is expected to announce its chief ministerial face for Kerala within the next 24 hours as the leadership intensifies consultations to prevent further internal friction following the party's massive election victory in the state.

Sources said senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to hold meetings with former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee presidents before the final decision is taken. The leadership is reportedly trying to ensure consensus within the party after visible competition among supporters of key contenders.

Among the frontrunners, K. C. Venugopal continues to be viewed as the leading candidate for the chief minister's post, although the Congress has not officially confirmed any name yet. Other senior leaders being considered include V. D. Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala.

Party insiders indicated that if discussions conclude smoothly, the swearing-in ceremony of the new government could take place on May 14.

The Congress-led United Democratic Front returned to power in a major political turnaround during the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, ending the decade-long rule of the Left Democratic Front.

The UDF secured a commanding 102 seats in the Assembly, while the LDF was reduced to just 35 seats, marking one of the biggest electoral shifts in Kerala politics in recent years.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi recently held discussions with the top contenders for the CM position, including K. C. Venugopal, V. D. Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala.

The meeting was also attended by Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee chief Sunny Joseph and AICC Kerala in-charge Deepa Dasmunsi.

Sources within the party said the Congress high command is also monitoring tensions between rival camps in Kerala. Over the past few days, supporters of V. D. Satheesan and K. C. Venugopal were involved in poster campaigns and public demonstrations of support, increasing pressure on the leadership to announce a decision quickly.

Meanwhile, the Indian Union Muslim League, a key ally of the UDF, has reportedly expressed concern over the delay and warned that prolonged uncertainty could impact political stability in the state.