Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram
New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, May 14: Ending ten days of intense political suspense and factional lobbying, the Congress high command has officially named V D Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Kerala. The decision comes on the heels of the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) landslide victory in the recent state Assembly elections.
Satheesan, a six-time MLA who served as the Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing Assembly, was chosen over political heavyweights like AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala.
The official announcement was made in New Delhi by Congress leader Deepa Dasmunsi. "The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) convened in Thiruvananthapuram on May 7, 2026, and unanimously resolved to authorize the Congress president to appoint the new leader. Consequently, it has been decided to appoint V D Satheesan as the leader of the CLP in Kerala," she stated.
Popular support outweighs internal backing
While internal reports suggested that K C Venugopal enjoyed the backing of a majority within the newly elected CLP, Satheesan's immense popularity among the masses and party workers ultimately tipped the scales. He emerged as the undisputed face of the party following its electoral defeat in 2021, working tirelessly to rebuild its grassroots connect over the last five years.
Party sources indicated that despite all three leaders firmly staking their claim for the top post over the last week and a half, the high command successfully brokered a consensus among the contenders to unite behind Satheesan.
Architect of the UDF victory
Satheesan is widely acknowledged as the primary architect behind the UDF’s sweeping 102-seat triumph. He was instrumental in stitching together a broader coalition and spearheading a highly aggressive election campaign.
Over the past five years, he led a relentless opposition against the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, systematically cornering the ruling dispensation on multiple fronts, including corruption allegations, governance lapses, and the state's mounting economic crisis.