In New Delhi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met with party president Mallikarjun Kharge to finalize the candidate for Kerala's next chief minister, following the United Democratic Front's (UDF) substantial victory in the recent assembly elections. Despite the UDF winning over two-thirds of the seats, the party has struggled to agree on a chief ministerial face. Gandhi's meeting with Kharge lasted about 40 minutes, with no immediate statement released afterward. The discussions are crucial as several contenders, including K C Venugopal, V D Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala, vie for the position. Protests from party workers have prompted the leadership to consult with state leaders before making a decision. Additionally, delays may occur due to Sonia Gandhi's health issues, as she was recently hospitalized for routine check-ups. The Congress party is expected to announce its decision by Wednesday night after this final round of discussions.