VD Satheesan Named Kerala's New Chief Minister

The Congress announced VD Satheesan as Kerala's next chief minister, resolving the suspense over the post. The decision followed extensive consultations after the Congress-led UDF's significant majority win in the state assembly. Key contenders included KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala.

In a significant political development, the Congress on Thursday named VD Satheesan as the chief minister of Kerala, concluding days of political suspense. The announcement was made by AICC in-charge of Kerala, Deepa Dasmunshi, and central observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik during a press conference.

The decision was reached following extensive deliberations and consultations, including a key meeting between former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. This climax follows the Congress-led United Democratic Front's impressive electoral victory on May 4.

The announcement resolves the leadership uncertainty that had loomed over Kerala, with Satheesan emerging over contenders KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala. The Congress holds a commanding presence in the state assembly with strong coalition support.