Congress Stands Firm on Chief Minister Decision

Senior Congress leader M M Hassan affirmed on Tuesday that coalition partners will have no role in choosing the Congress Legislature Party leader in Kerala. This comes amidst uncertainty over selecting the chief minister following the UDF's electoral victory.

Rejecting suggestions that allies could influence the selection process, Hassan emphasized that the Congress will independently decide its Assembly leader. "Coalition partners do not decide the parliamentary party leader of the Congress," he told reporters in New Delhi during consultations with the party high command.

His remarks came as speculation continues over senior leader V D Satheesan's bid for the chief minister's post, backed by the Indian Union Muslim League. The Congress high command is engaging in consultations with senior leaders and a decision is expected shortly.

(With inputs from agencies.)