New Delhi, May 9 (IANS) Suspense over the Congress’ choice for the next Chief Minister of Kerala continued on Saturday after nearly three hours of high-level deliberations at Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge’s residence here.

Senior party sources said the final decision would be taken by Congress President Kharge and senior party leader Rahul Gandhi, while an official announcement would be made “in due course”, AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala Deepa Dasmunshi said.

The meeting was attended by key Kerala Congress leaders, including V.D. Satheesan, K.C. Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala, and focused on finalising the leadership transition following the party’s strong performance in the state.

However, despite prolonged discussions and back-to-back consultations, the party refrained from announcing a decision, indicating that further internal deliberations could take place.

Speaking to reporters after the closed-door meeting, Dasmunshi said: “The name will be announced in due course. We have time till May 23, so the announcement can happen any time before that.”

She reiterated that the party leadership was carefully evaluating all aspects before formalising its decision.

Addressing reporters outside Kharge’s residence, V.D. Satheesan expressed concern over protests reported from parts of Kerala earlier in the day.

“There have been some unfortunate incidents in the form of protests. We appeal to all our party workers and supporters to maintain restraint and stop such activities henceforth,” he said.

His appeal was echoed by K.C. Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala, who also urged party workers to maintain unity and patience.

All three leaders briefly returned to Kharge’s residence before leaving later in the evening.

Chennithala confirmed that he would return to Kerala on Sunday and said: “We have discussed everything with the national leadership. Now they will make their decision.”

While speculation continues over the frontrunners for the post, party insiders maintained that the Congress leadership was keen to send a message of internal unity and consensus.

For now, Kerala continues to await clarity, with the party maintaining that an announcement on the next Chief Minister will be made “in due course”.

–IANS

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