Nine days after the United Democratic Front’s victory in Kerala, the Congress’s delay in appointing a Chief Minister is causing worry within its alliance. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a major UDF member, is openly frustrated by the uncertainty. The IUML has called for an emergency meeting to decide its next steps amidst the prolonged deadlock over the CM’s post.
Pressure is mounting on the Congress high command to resolve the leadership issue. The League leadership is dissatisfied with what they see as the slow approach of the Congress high command, despite the UDF’s strong position in the Kerala Assembly.
The IUML insists that the next CM should be someone elected directly by the people. While they may not oppose a consensus candidate like Ramesh Chennithala, they have reservations about the Congress high command’s reported preference for K.C. Venugopal. Tomorrow’s Panakkad meeting will focus on the League’s political stance if the Congress goes against their expectations.
Several IUML MLAs and leaders have publicly expressed concerns over the delay, warning of potential political consequences. The public and party workers are growing impatient, questioning if this delay aligns with what they voted for. The League leadership highlights the administrative vacuum caused by the delay in government formation.
Intense discussions are ongoing in Delhi, with Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge set to meet Rahul Gandhi on the Kerala leadership matter. A decision on the CM is expected within the next 24 hours, as tensions within the alliance persist.
