Kochi/New Delhi: As the Congress leadership has called the main contenders for the post of Kerala chief minister for discussions, insiders are seeing the selection process as a clash between “intra-party support” and “public sentiment” related to the two candidates.Apart from opposition leaders VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and KC Venugopal, state chief Sunny Joseph will hold talks with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, sources said. He said that a decision on who will be the head of the Kerala government will be taken by Sunday.AICC observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik – who had held a meeting with state MLAs a day earlier – submitted their report to Kharge on Friday, after which the process shifted to Delhi. Meanwhile, Congress MP from Kerala Shashi Tharoor met Kharge and shared his reaction on the issue as well as the political situation in the state.According to sources, more than 80% of the MLAs have named Venugopal as their preferred choice for the top post. This has promoted the AICC general secretary, who is also a close aide of Rahul.But, he said, the party will have to take into account “public sentiment” about leaders before taking a decision. In his view, Satheesan enjoys strong support among those who see him as the bulwark that will steer the Congress-led UDF ship against the Left Front government in five years.Additionally, the Congress will also have to keep in mind that Venugopal will face two by-elections as chief minister – the parliamentary seat he will vacate and the assembly seat he will contest.Amidst the uncertainty, another political formula is also being discussed vigorously in Congress circles.According to sources, there are indications that despite having majority support in the CLP (Congress Legislature Party), Venugopal may move in favor of Chennithala citing his experience. The move is reportedly being explored by the Venugopal and Chennithala camps in an apparent attempt to prevent Satheesan from consolidating support for the top post. He believes that Satheesan will be forced to accept this.It is understood that AICC observers have informed the high command that the political situation in Kerala remains sensitive and a decision will have to be taken quickly. He also advocated taking into account the views of colleagues.Another issue for consideration is whether Rahul can relieve Venugopal from the post of general secretary in charge of organization of AICC, where he has emerged as Rahul’s advisor on party issues over the years. Apart from this, he also coordinates with the Congress management and India Bloc allies in Parliament. Venugopal’s prominence is also evident from the fact that he is the chairman of the key parliamentary panel – the Public Accounts Committee – which is usually held by the Leader of the Opposition.The party top brass would like to convince the contenders to accept the final option as they would not want any disunity among the disappointed leaders to dampen the enthusiasm of the UDF’s landslide victory.