CONGRESS SET TO ANNOUNCE KERALA CM AS VENUGOPAL EMERGES FRONTRUNNER

Rahul backs Venugopal; party asserts democratic process

Congress is moving closer to naming its chief ministerial face in Kerala, with Alappuzha MP KC Venugopal emerging as Rahul Gandhi's preferred choice after a one-on-one meeting in Delhi. The party, which returned to power in the state after a decade-long gap, has faced mounting pressure to announce its CM within days of the election results.

Six days have elapsed since Kerala voters handed Congress a decisive mandate—63 of 140 assembly seats, enough for a comfortable majority. Yet the post remains vacant as the party navigates an internal selection process that has drawn both support and scrutiny from multiple quarters.

VENUGOPAL CONSOLIDATES SUPPORT AMONG LEGISLATORS

Ground reports indicate Venugopal has secured backing from approximately 75–80 percent of Congress' 63 MLAs, a clear indication of his strength within the legislative wing. A photograph that circulated on social media showed Kerala Congress President Sunny Joseph, Sandeep G Varier, Sajeev Joseph, T.O. Mohan, and Usha Vijayan backing his candidacy at a May 9 meeting held at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's Delhi residence.

Party insiders familiar with the developments suggested a pragmatic arrangement should Venugopal assume office. Sunny Joseph, who won from Irikkur, may step down from his assembly seat, clearing the way for Venugopal to contest and secure an MLA position—a constitutional requirement for the chief minister's post. The move reflects careful political choreography within the Congress, balancing factional interests while ensuring legislative strength remains intact.

CHALLENGE FROM SATHEESAN CAMP

V.D. Satheesan, the other key contender, drew support from only six MLAs in the initial May 9 meeting. However, his position gained traction following the gathering, with three former state Congress presidents publicly backing his candidacy. Additionally, key UDF allies—the Indian Union Muslim League and Kerala Congress (Joseph)—have openly supported Satheesan's claims.

This bifurcation highlights underlying organisational tensions, though Congress leadership has maintained that the final decision rests with the party hierarchy rather than a simple MLAs' count.

CONGRESS REJECTS BJP MODEL

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala seized the opportunity to draw contrasts with the ruling BJP, asserting the party's commitment to democratic processes. "In the Congress party, the CM is chosen democratically. We do not have a system where Modi and Shah take all the decisions," Chennithala said, in an apparent reference to how the national ruling party handles such selections.

The statement underscores Congress' attempt to position itself as ideologically distinct, particularly as regional dynamics shift across India following recent assembly elections.

BROADER REGIONAL SHIFTS

Meanwhile, three southern and eastern states have witnessed chief ministerial changes within the past 48 hours, signalling a significant realignment of regional politics.

In Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay, chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), became the ninth CM after his party secured 108 of 234 seats. Vijay's government will rely on additional support from Congress, Left, IUML, and VCK MLAs to reach the required 118-seat majority. During his oath ceremony, Vijay notably departed from prescribed remarks, prompting Governor Arlekar to intervene.

West Bengal witnessed a historic milestone when Suvendu Adhikari became the BJP's first Chief Minister. Adhikari was sworn in on May 9 following the party's decisive 207-294 seat victory. The ceremony was attended by 20 chief ministers from NDA-ruled states, underscoring the BJP's organised show of strength.

NORTHEAST DEVELOPMENTS

In Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, re-elected as BJP legislative party leader, will take oath for his second consecutive term as Chief Minister on May 12 at 11 am. The state witnessed a consolidation of NDA strength in recent elections.

Puducherry is also set for a leadership change, with N. Ramaswamy scheduled to take oath on May 13.

Congress officials indicated an announcement on the Kerala CM post is imminent, though they have refrained from specifying an exact timeline. The party's deliberate pace contrasts sharply with the swift transitions witnessed in neighbouring states, reflecting its traditional emphasis on consensus-building within the party structure.

Vijay's TVK Still Short of Majority in Tamil Nadu; Swearing-in Put Off

Tamil Nadu remained in political limbo on Friday as TVK chief and actor Vijay staked claim to form the government but fell two MLAs short of the required majority. The swearing-in ceremony, earlier expected on Saturday, has been postponed. 

Vijay met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Raj Bhavan and submitted letters of support from 116 MLAs belonging to his party TVK, the Congress, CPI and CPI(M). However, the two MLAs each from IUML and VCK are yet to submit formal letters of support, leaving the formation of the next government uncertain. 

According to officials familiar with the development, the Governor has indicated that a clear majority of 118 is necessary before inviting anyone to form the government. This marks the third time in recent days that Vijay has approached the Governor. Earlier attempts on May 6 and 7 did not succeed due to the same shortfall.

VCK Support Remains Verbal

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan publicly declared support for TVK on Friday morning. However, no formal letter reached Raj Bhavan by late evening, sources said. Police were deployed outside the VCK office in Ashok Nagar as speculation grew about a possible meeting between Vijay and Thirumavalavan. 

TVK supporters gathered in front of the Governor’s House, also known as Lok Bhavan, raising slogans demanding the formation of a government under Vijay. Police detained several protesters as tensions simmered through the day. 

Assam NDA to Take Oath on May 12

In a separate but simultaneous development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the NDA government will take oath on May 12. The swearing-in is scheduled for around 11 am. A BJP legislature party meeting will be held on May 10 to elect the leader, followed by a meeting of NDA MLAs. 

Speculation Over Alternative Alliances

Uncertainty in Tamil Nadu has triggered speculation about other possibilities. Sources indicate that if TVK fails to secure the numbers, the DMK and AIADMK could explore forming a coalition. TVK leaders have already warned that all their MLAs would resign in such an eventuality to avoid any “undemocratic” arrangement. 

DMK leader TKS Elangovan said Vijay should first explore support from other parties before approaching the Governor again. He also referred to ongoing police investigations into related complaints. 

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari, commenting on the Tamil Nadu situation, said the focus appeared to be on preventing an alternative government. He stressed that the Congress was working as a secular force against any direct or indirect influence of the BJP. 

Background and Numbers Game

Tamil Nadu’s 234-member Assembly requires 118 MLAs for a simple majority. While TVK and its allies have demonstrated significant strength with 116 letters in hand, the absence of formal backing from the remaining four MLAs has stalled the process. The delay has kept political circles in Chennai on edge, with parties scrambling to consolidate support. 

The situation follows the breakup of the DMK-Congress alliance, after which the DMK demanded that its MPs be re-seated separately in the Lok Sabha. 

What Lies Ahead

As of Friday evening, no fresh invitation from the Governor had been issued. Political observers expect intense backroom negotiations over the weekend, particularly between TVK and the smaller allies. The coming hours could prove decisive as parties finalise their positions. 

Supporters of various parties continue to watch developments closely, with many expressing fatigue over the prolonged uncertainty in government formation. Markets and daily life in the state, however, remained largely unaffected even as political temperature stayed high. 

The coming days will determine whether Vijay can bridge the final gap or if Tamil Nadu heads towards fresh political realignments. 

Clash breaks out between Congress, DMK workers in Mayiladuthurai

A physical altercation broke out between supporters of the Congress and the DMK in Tamil Nadu’s Mayiladuthurai town on Friday morning, adding a volatile edge to an already fluid political situation in the state. The scuffle, which lasted nearly 15 minutes, reportedly began over sloganeering outside a local party office. Police personnel intervened and dispersed the crowds. No formal complaints had been filed by late afternoon.

The clash comes at a time when the state capital Chennai is witnessing intense political realignments following an inconclusive assembly election verdict.

TVK threatens mass resignation over rival alliance

Suspense continues over whether actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) will be able to form the government. TVK has now issued a sharp warning: if the DMK and AIADMK — traditional rivals — come together to stake a claim, all TVK MLAs will resign from the House.

“Both Dravidian parties are attempting to sideline the single largest party. This is a conspiracy against public mandate,” a TVK functionary told reporters outside the party headquarters in Chennai.

According to sources aware of the developments, two meetings between DMK and AIADMK camps over the past 48 hours have fuelled speculation that a joint bid for power is being explored.

Governor’s stand, protests outside Raj Bhavan

Governor Rajendra Arlekar on Thursday rejected TVK chief Vijay’s claim to form the government for the second time, asking him to return with signatures of 118 MLAs to prove majority. However, the Governor has assured Vijay that no other party would be invited to form the government in the meantime.

On Friday morning, TVK supporters demonstrated outside Lok Bhavan, the Governor’s residence, raising slogans accusing the Governor of delaying the formation process. Police detained several protesters, who were released later in the day.

28 AIADMK MLAs shifted to Puducherry resort

In a significant development, 28 AIADMK MLAs — believed to be supporters of senior leader C.V. Shanmugam — have been lodged at a resort in Puducherry. The move is seen as an effort to prevent poaching attempts.

TVK chief Vijay currently needs six more MLAs to reach the majority mark. Sources indicate that talks are underway between TVK and the rebel AIADMK faction over portfolio allocations, including the deputy chief minister’s post. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami, however, is said to be opposed to any such understanding.

DMK passes four resolutions, targets Congress

At its legislative party meeting, the DMK passed four resolutions: thanking the people and allies, praising party president MK Stalin, authorising Stalin to take all necessary decisions, and — notably — criticising the Congress for breaking away from the Secular Progressive Alliance.

“Despite receiving one Rajya Sabha seat and 28 assembly seats under the DMK alliance, the Congress chose to part ways within days. This reveals their old political character,” a DMK resolution stated.

Public reactions, political uncertainty continues

Outside Vijay’s residence in Chennai, a young fan told reporters, “I want to see Vijay become Chief Minister.” Meanwhile, AIADMK MP M Thambidurai said public sentiment was in favour of his party returning to power.

CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar maintained that the single largest party must be invited to form the government. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah also backed Vijay’s claim.

With the Governor yet to take a final call, and no party crossing the majority mark on its own, Tamil Nadu remains in a political limbo. All eyes are now on whether the DMK-AIADMK alliance materialises — and whether TVK follows through on its resignation threat.

Bihar’s newly formed political landscape witnessed significant activity on Friday as Chief Minister Samrat Chowdhury engaged in a series of high-level meetings and public interactions, ahead of the crucial Samrat Chowdhury trust vote scheduled for April 24 in the state Assembly. The trust vote will determine whether the new government commands a clear majority in the House.

The day saw former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visiting the CM’s residence in Patna, marking an important political engagement amid ongoing adjustments in the state’s leadership structure.

Nitish Meets CM Samrat

According to officials and political observers, Nitish Kumar met CM Samrat Chowdhury at his residence on 5 Deshratna Marg. The meeting, which lasted around 20 minutes, reportedly focused on the prevailing political situation in Bihar.

During the interaction, Nitish Kumar also met Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Sinha and Bijendra Prasad Yadav. The meeting drew attention as visuals showed Nitish Kumar smiling and placing a hand on CM Samrat’s shoulder, indicating a cordial exchange.

Assembly Session Scheduled

The Bihar Assembly has been convened for a special session on April 24, during which CM Samrat Chowdhury will move a confidence motion to prove his majority.

Officials confirmed that the session will be crucial for the stability of the government. The Samrat Chowdhury trust vote is expected to bring clarity on the ruling coalition’s strength in the House.

Political analysts are closely watching the developments as parties prepare for floor strategies ahead of the vote.

Confidence Motion Plan

Sources indicate that the Chief Minister is expected to present the confidence motion early in the Assembly proceedings. Lawmakers will then debate and vote on the motion as per constitutional procedures.

The government has expressed confidence in securing the numbers required, though opposition parties are expected to challenge the claim of majority during the session.

Liquor Ban Stance

Reaffirming a key policy position, CM Samrat Chowdhury on Friday stated that the prohibition law in Bihar will remain in force. Addressing the media, he said there would be no reconsideration of the liquor ban policy.

He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier appreciated the decision, reinforcing the government’s stance.

The statement comes amid renewed political debate over the policy, with some legislators raising concerns about enforcement challenges and revenue implications.

Remarks on Cabinet Entry

CM Samrat Chowdhury also responded to speculation regarding the possible inclusion of Nitish Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar, in the state cabinet. He said that such decisions rest entirely with Nitish Kumar and Nishant Kumar, and the government has no direct role in it.

He added that it would be a matter of satisfaction if Nishant Kumar joins the cabinet in the future, while maintaining that no formal decision has been taken.

Administrative Engagements Ahead

Ahead of the trust vote, CM Samrat Chowdhury is scheduled to meet officials at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat and hold administrative review meetings. The discussions are expected to focus on governance priorities and coordination among departments.

With the Samrat Chowdhury trust vote approaching, both political and administrative activity is expected to intensify in the coming days as parties prepare for a decisive session in the Bihar Assembly.

What Next

All eyes are now on April 24 when the Bihar Assembly convenes for the trust vote. The outcome will determine the political direction of the state government and set the tone for future policy and governance decisions in Bihar.