White Smoke Anticipated: Congress Nears Decision on Kerala CM

In a nod to the tradition of the papal election at the Vatican, KPCC chief Sunny Joseph suggested on Tuesday that the Congress high command is nearing a decision on Kerala's next chief minister. "White smoke can be expected soon," Joseph remarked to the media, indicating that the prolonged party discussions might soon yield results.

Joseph emphasized that while the decision is expected promptly, no specific timeframe has been established. The party leadership in New Delhi has been engaged in extensive consultations to break the stalemate over the chief ministerial candidate following the Congress-led United Democratic Front's decisive win in the state Assembly elections.

The delay in announcing the chief minister, Joseph admitted, has somewhat overshadowed the UDF's electoral victory. He expressed confidence that the victory's significance would be reinforced once the new government assumes power. Meanwhile, consultations continue with senior leaders, including former KPCC presidents and potential contenders for the leadership role.

(With inputs from agencies.)