. Senior Congress leader Tariq Anwar on Friday said that any decision on making KC Venugopal the chief minister of Kerala, if the United Democratic Front (UDF) wins the Assembly elections, will depend on the party’s internal process and final approval by the high command.In an interview, Anwar, who is the MP from Bihar’s Katihar and a former Kerala in-charge, outlined how the Congress would determine its chief ministerial candidate.He asserted that even if Venugopal is interested in the role, he would need to follow the established procedure within the party.”If the legislative party authorises the high command for the final decision, then it will do so,” he said.Detailing the process, Anwar explained that the party high command would appoint an observer who would convene a meeting of the Congress legislative party. If a consensus emerges during discussions, the observer would communicate it to the All India Congress Committee (AICC), after which the leadership would take the final call.”The high command will take a final view,” he said.Addressing speculation over Venugopal, the Congress general secretary (organisation), becoming Chief Minister despite not contesting the Assembly polls, Anwar reiterated that interest alone would not suffice.”If the Congress general secretary (organisation) was interested, he will have to undergo the requisite process,” he said. “There is no confusion about it,” he added.Anwar also expressed confidence in the UDF’s prospects in Kerala, citing exit poll trends.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | WatchTrust Vote Drama In Punjab: BJP Boycott, Congress Walkout Rocks House123PhotostoriesMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dog5 situations where staying silent is powerfulSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reason123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

. Senior Congress leader Tariq Anwar on Friday said that any decision on making KC Venugopal the chief minister of Kerala, if the United Democratic Front (UDF) wins the Assembly elections, will depend on the party’s internal process and final approval by the high command.In an interview, Anwar, who is the MP from Bihar’s Katihar and a former Kerala in-charge, outlined how the Congress would determine its chief ministerial candidate.He asserted that even if Venugopal is interested in the role, he would need to follow the established procedure within the party.”If the legislative party authorises the high command for the final decision, then it will do so,” he said.Detailing the process, Anwar explained that the party high command would appoint an observer who would convene a meeting of the Congress legislative party. If a consensus emerges during discussions, the observer would communicate it to the All India Congress Committee (AICC), after which the leadership would take the final call.”The high command will take a final view,” he said.Addressing speculation over Venugopal, the Congress general secretary (organisation), becoming Chief Minister despite not contesting the Assembly polls, Anwar reiterated that interest alone would not suffice.”If the Congress general secretary (organisation) was interested, he will have to undergo the requisite process,” he said. “There is no confusion about it,” he added.Anwar also expressed confidence in the UDF’s prospects in Kerala, citing exit poll trends.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | WatchTrust Vote Drama In Punjab: BJP Boycott, Congress Walkout Rocks House123PhotostoriesMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dog5 situations where staying silent is powerfulSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reason123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

Senior Congress leader Tariq Anwar on Friday said that any decision on making KC Venugopal the chief minister of Kerala, if the United Democratic Front (UDF) wins the Assembly elections, will depend on the party’s internal process and final approval by the high command.In an interview, Anwar, who is the MP from Bihar’s Katihar and…

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