The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has summoned prominent leaders from Kerala to New Delhi to finalize the party's Chief Minister candidate for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections. Key attendees include former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) presidents K. Sudhakaran, V.M. Sudheeran, K. Muraleedharan, and M.M. Hassan. Notably, former president Mullappally Ramachandran declined to attend. Muraleedharan expressed his clear preference for the top post to AICC observers, stating that the party's decision would be made within 48 hours, concluding ongoing speculation about leadership. Sudheeran indicated that discussions would be held with AICC leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and national president Mallikarjun Kharge. The meeting aims to address the leadership question with clarity, despite internal disagreements on potential candidates. Speculation has also arisen about the possibility of a new candidate being considered to appease differing factions within the party. Additionally, INTUC leader R. Chandrasekhar has raised concerns about the suitability of K.C. Venugopal as a candidate, advocating for an MLA-elect to be chosen for the Chief Minister position.