The Congress party in Kerala is set to hold a crucial meeting of its newly elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday morning to initiate the process of selecting a new chief minister. AICC general secretary Mukul Wasnik and treasurer Ajay Maken arrived in the state capital on Wednesday and will engage with MLAs individually to gather their opinions rather than conducting a headcount. The party intends to finalize the decision by Sunday. Key contenders for the CM position include VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and KC Venugopal, with intense discussions among their supporters. Chennithala emphasized that the final decision will rest with the party high command rather than social media influence. Additionally, the Indian Union Muslim League, having won 22 seats, is already in discussions regarding cabinet positions and may demand the Deputy Chief Minister role.