Malappuram(Kerala) | Patience appears to be running out for UDF coalition partner IUML over the delay in selecting the new Kerala CM, with more of its leaders saying they were unable to face the public's questions on the issue.

Indian Union Muslim League's (IUML) MLA elect from Tirur assembly, Kurukkoli Moideen, told reporters here on Wednesday that wherever he goes people, especially women, keep asking him why the chief minister selection was being delayed.

But more than the delay, the open differences within the Congress over the issue is the main problem, he said.

"It has become a big issue. Even Congress workers are disappointed. Even women are asking when will the CM be selected. I am sure all of this will be resolved as the Congress has a strong leadership," he said.

A day ago, T V Ibrahim, the MLA elect from Kondotty assembly, had said that the delay in a decision by the Congress on who should be the CM has taken away the sheen from the UDF victory and is leaving its workers and MLAs unable to face the public.

Ibrahim had also said that technically it may be an internal matter of the Congress, but in view of public interest the delay is "unacceptable" and a decision should be taken at the earliest.

The three main contenders for the post of chief minister are senior leaders Ramesh Chennithala, V D Satheesan and AICC general secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal.