The Congress-led UDF's comprehensive win in the Kerala assembly elections will now evoke discussions on the question of the chief minister's post.
As the leader of the alliance, the Congress will get to pick its chief ministerial nominee, with informal consultations likely to be made with allies.
The leading contenders for the CM's post are outgoing Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, former leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala, and party general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal.
Satheesan, a six-time MLA from Paravur, has the strongest claim for the top post due to his experience as the face of the party in the assembly over the last five years.
However, his weakness lies in the fact that he has not held any ministerial post in UDF governments, thereby lacking administrative capabilities.
Chennithala, considered the senior-most leader within the state unit in terms of organisational and administrative experience, is also in the running for the CM's post.
Venugopal, 63, is considered a serious contender for the CM's post, largely due to his closeness with Rahul Gandhi and the central leadership.
