V D Satheesan named as Kerala CM: Congress ends 10-day high-drama saga

Satheesan, currently the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, emerged as the consensus candidate after the party surveyed the views of its MLAs, evaluated alliance dynamics, and considered public perception.

Putting an end to days of waiting and intense lobbying, Congress has announced V D Satheesan as the Chief Minister of Kerala. The decision was announced by AICC leaders Ajay Maken and Deepa Dasmunsi during a press conference in Delhi on Thursday, May 14.

Satheesan was the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly and emerged as the consensus candidate after the party surveyed the views of its MLAs, evaluated alliance dynamics, and considered public perception. His elevation marks a significant moment in Kerala politics, as the UDF looks to project a younger, dynamic leadership.

The past ten days saw intense behind-the-scenes negotiations among senior Congress leaders. KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala, both vying for the post, met the party high command in Delhi, while VD Satheesan’s supporters mobilised grassroots and social media campaigns highlighting his clean image and connect with the youth.

The period also witnessed visible factional signals, including competing flex boards in major towns and posters in Wayanad that criticised party top leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi over central interference, underscoring the complexity of the decision-making process.

Congress observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik had been in Thiruvananthapuram since May 6 to oversee consultations, including discussions with MLAs on their preferred candidate. By May 12, reports indicated that Satheesan had consolidated support within the party, making him the most viable candidate to lead the UDF government.