In Kerala, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is poised to announce its next Chief Minister, with state Congress chief Sunny Joseph suggesting that the announcement could occur later today. This comes after the UDF achieved a decisive victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, securing 102 out of 140 seats. Joseph noted that discussions within the party have concluded, but the final decision awaits clearance from the Congress high command in New Delhi. He mentioned that a slight delay may have occurred due to Sonia Gandhi's recent hospital visit for a routine check-up. Meanwhile, criticism has surfaced among Congress supporters, particularly in Wayanad, regarding the delay in naming the Chief Minister, with some expressing their discontent through posters targeting party leaders. The frontrunners for the Chief Ministerial position include Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has also indicated that discussions regarding ministerial representation will continue once the Congress finalizes its choice.