Shashi Tharoor said the Congress high command will decide who becomes the chief minister of Kerala following the state Assembly elections [1].
Tharoor's comments come as the party faces critical leadership decisions. With exit polls projecting a win for the United Democratic Front, the selection of the chief minister will determine the strategic direction of the state's administration.
Speaking Monday, the Congress Member of Parliament addressed questions regarding his own potential candidacy for the role. He said there is no point "picking names out of a hat" [1].
Tharoor said the decision rests with the party leadership to ensure the state is led effectively. He said the high command will decide what is needed to get Kerala "back on track" [1].
The statements were made as counting for the Kerala Assembly elections began at 8 a.m. local time [2]. While some reports described his response as a clear answer, other accounts suggested the lawmaker dodged the question regarding whether he personally aspires to the position [2, 3].
Throughout the exchange, Tharoor said the party's internal hierarchy must determine the leadership face. He deferred the choice to the high command, the central leadership of the Indian National Congress, rather than speculating on individual ambitions [1, 3].
“"There is no point picking names out of a hat."”
Tharoor's refusal to campaign for the chief ministership suggests a strategic adherence to party discipline. By deferring to the high command, he avoids a public power struggle within the Congress party while keeping his viability as a candidate open for the leadership's consideration.
