Will Shashi Tharoor Be Kerala CM? Congress MP Sidesteps Question Before Results As UDF Leads In Exit Polls

Thiruvananthapuram: Just before the counting of votes in four states and one union territory including Kerala, the biggest question before the Congress is who will be the Chief Minister if the party comes to power. Exit polls have shown the Congress-led UDF leading. If these projections translate into results, the party will soon have to decide on its chief ministerial face.

Can Shashi Tharoor become Chief Minister?

When Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was questioned on this issue, he refused to say anything directly. He clearly said that he does not want to comment on any such speculation. It became clear from his reply that at present no official decision has been taken on this within the party.

How does Congress decide the name of the Chief Minister?

Tharoor also said that there is a fixed process for choosing the Chief Minister in Congress. After the election results are declared, the elected MLAs of the party express their opinion. For this, a representative is sent by the party leadership, who understands the preferences of the MLAs.

#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam: When asked if an MP can become the CM of Kerala, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "I know exactly what you're trying to get me to say. I'm not saying any of that. The answer is very clear. We have a standard practice in the Congress Party.… pic.twitter.com/4s7jDm4ZkG

— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2026

After this, this report is given to the high command in Delhi and he takes the final decision. That means the selection of the Chief Minister is completely in the hands of the party leadership.

Who are the other contenders for the post of CM?

K C Venugopal's name is also in discussion for the post of Chief Minister. Congress leader Tariq Anwar also indicated that if he is willing, he may get a chance. However, he also clarified that the final decision will be taken only by the party high command and it will decide who will be given the command of the state.

Is UDF's victory considered certain?

Congress leaders are confident that UDF will get an edge in Kerala. Tharoor said that if this happens, it will be a major political change. Exit polls are also pointing in this direction. According to Axis My India, UDF may get 78 to 90 seats, while in the Manorama-CVoter survey this figure may go up to 94. The majority figure in the 140-member assembly is 71.

What was the status of elections?

Voting was held in a single phase on 9 April for 140 assembly seats in Kerala. The contest here was mainly between LDF and UDF. Now everyone's eyes are on the results. If UDF gets majority, then the next big question will be who gets the post of Chief Minister.