VD Satheesan Named Kerala's New Chief Minister As Congress Ends 11 Days Of Suspense

Last Updated:May 14, 2026, 12:07 IST

VD Satheesan has been announced the next Kerala CM. The decision ended days of suspense and intense lobbying within the Congress after the UDF’s massive Assembly election victory.

After days of intense lobbying, backroom consultations and mounting suspense, the Congress on Thursday finally announced senior leader VD Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Kerala following the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting in Thiruvananthapuram.

The decision came after hectic discussions in New Delhi between senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, amid competing claims from different factions within the party.

Satheesan’s elevation brings an end to prolonged uncertainty that had overshadowed the Congress-led United Democratic Front’s (UDF) sweeping victory in the Kerala Assembly elections, where the alliance secured 102 out of 140 seats.

CLP MEETING ENDS HIGH-DRAMA BUILD-UP

The Congress Legislature Party meeting held at the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram formally elected Satheesan as its leader, paving the way for him to stake a claim to form the next government.

The announcement followed several rounds of consultations in Delhi that continued till hours before the CLP meeting.

Visuals aired earlier in the day had shown Congress MP KC Venugopal arriving at Rahul Gandhi’s residence in New Delhi, fuelling speculation that the high command was engaged in final deliberations.

According to IANS, senior leaders Deepa Dasmunsi, Ajay Maken, and Mukul Wasnik were also in Delhi as discussions continued at the highest level.

Even till noon, the Congress leadership had maintained silence over the final decision, adding to the political suspense.

SUPPORTERS CELEBRATE IN ALUVA

There was a celebratory mood outside Satheesan’s residence in Aluva even before the official announcement, with supporters gathering in large numbers as he left for Thiruvananthapuram with his family earlier in the day.

Television visuals showed party workers cheering and wishing him luck ahead of the decisive CLP meeting.

Though Satheesan did not speak to reporters before leaving, his supporters remained confident that the Congress leadership would eventually back him for the top post.

Seen as an aggressive Opposition leader during the previous Assembly term, Satheesan had emerged as one of the strongest contenders in the race.

CONGRESS ENDS INTERNAL TUSSLE

The Congress victory in Kerala had been overshadowed by internal competition between camps backing Satheesan, Venugopal and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala.

The delay in naming the Chief Minister had also triggered visible anxiety among party workers and alliance partners.

According to PTI, lobbying by various camps and pressure from workers at the grassroots level had complicated the decision-making process despite the alliance’s massive mandate.

Even alliance partners had begun openly asserting their demands while waiting for clarity from the Congress leadership.

ALLIES PUSH FOR REPRESENTATION

Kerala Congress (J) chairman PJ Joseph had reiterated on Thursday that his party would seek two ministerial berths in the new government.

“We will make our claim in the UDF meeting. We will ask for two ministers," Joseph told reporters before leaving for Thiruvananthapuram.

Joseph also expressed hope that the Congress leadership would consider the views of allies while finalising the Chief Minister.

Responding to criticism that UDF allies were interfering in the CM selection process, he said his party had only conveyed its opinion after being consulted.

“It was said after our opinion was sought," he said.

GOVERNMENT FORMATION PROCESS BEGINS

According to IANS, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph had already established contact with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as part of the government formation process.

There were also indications that the newly elected legislators could conduct a roadshow to Lok Bhavan following the CLP meeting.

With Satheesan now officially chosen as the CLP leader, the Congress leadership is expected to move quickly towards government formation and cabinet discussions after days of political uncertainty.

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