Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, a Chief Minister hopeful, on Wednesday (May 6, 2026) said social media campaigns and putting up of flexboards will not be the deciding factors for selecting the Chief Minister of Kerala.

Mr. Chennithala made the remark in response to reporters queries in Delhi on the intense social media campaign in favour of V.D. Satheesan as Chief Minister on the grounds that the latter had led the UDF poll campaign from the front.

"Who should be CM is not decided based on social media campaigns or the flexboards put up by the supporters. It is decided by the High Command in accordance with the procedure already in place. As part of that two party observers will reach Kerala by (Wednesday) evening and they will speak to all the MLAs. After that, the party High Command will take a decision," he said.

He said the High Command will take the decision “based on party interests and everyone will accept it.”

Mr. Chennithala also rejected queries about whether the alleged contest within the party for the Chief Minister’s post will create any displeasure among the voters. "There will be no displeasure among voters as there is no contest," he contended.

On whether there was a delay in announcing the Chief Minister for Kerala, Mr. Chennithala said the Chief Minister has not been selected in the other States where polls were held. "So, can it be said that there is a delay in the case of Kerala?" he asked.

He said he was in Delhi for a meeting with Rahul Gandhi regarding finalisation of the DCC presidents in Maharashtra.