Following the defeat, CPI(M) state secretary M. V. Govindan said the LDF would undertake a detailed review of the results and implement corrective measures. “The LDF will evaluate and study the defeat, after which required corrections will be made. We expect the continued support of the people,” he said.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan resigned on Monday after the alliance’s crushing loss, formally bringing his tenure to an end. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, the Governor of Kerala, has accepted his resignation.
Attention has now shifted to the leadership question within the Congress. Multiple senior leaders are seen as contenders for the Chief Minister’s post, including K. C. Venugopal, V. D. Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala. Party sources indicate that if all three press their claims, reaching a consensus could be the key challenge in the coming days.
Venugopal is expected to reach New Delhi on Tuesday as consultations intensify. Sources suggest that a majority of MLAs may be inclined to back him, though Satheesan is also unlikely to step aside easily following the scale of the victory.
A final decision on the Chief Minister is expected within the next two to three days, party sources said.
Meanwhile, Narendra Modi congratulated the UDF on its win, stating that his government would continue to raise issues vital to Kerala’s progress and work towards the vision of a “Vikasita Kerala”.
