Thiruvananthapuram: KPCC president Sunny Joseph on Sunday said AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will soon announce the next Chief Minister of Kerala from among the three contenders who have already been “interviewed” by the party’s top leadership.Speaking to the media after returning from New Delhi, where discussions were held between the Congress high command and the three CM post contenders, Joseph said he did not see the need for a second round of talks with state leaders on the issue.Joseph declined to give a date for the announcement, saying, “Everyone has been asked to stay away from controversial steps.”Also read: Congress struggling for consensus as contenders for chief ministerial post make claims; Party warns Kerala leaders on protestsAsked whether the matter would be discussed with UDF constituents, Joseph said the decision depended on the Congress leadership. Party sources said consultations with Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and veteran Congressman AK Antony are expected to play a decisive role in the selection process.Meanwhile, the camp supporting the three contenders – KC Venugopal, VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala – remains optimistic, with each confident that the final decision could tilt in their favour.The Venugopal camp is understood to be confident that the Congress leadership will give importance to the majority opinion within the Congress Legislature Party. The Satheesan camp argues that strong public sentiment and the support of many UDF constituent allies have strengthened their chances.Both Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala are said to be satisfied with the opportunity given by the high command to present their claims in detail. Chennithala in particular is believed to be relying on his seniority and long political experience, hoping that the leadership may accept his claim this time.