Published May 14, 2026 | 2:12 PM ⚊ Updated May 14, 2026 | 2:12 PM
VD Satheesan, KC Venugopal and other state leaders.
Synopsis: Kerala Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan called for unity within the Congress-led UDF and said the new government would implement its election promises “one by one”. He praised senior Congress leaders KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala, and defended the 10-day delay in naming a chief minister, saying discussions within a party with many senior leaders were part of a democratic process.
Kerala Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan on Thursday, 14, struck a conciliatory tone in his first public address after the Congress party announced him as its pick for the post, and termed it a “divine opportunity” to serve the people of the state.
“The INC has handed me a huge responsibility. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the leadership. I stand here because of Team UDF,” Satheesan said, speaking to reporters soon after the announcement.
He said the new government would work collectively to fulfil the promises made to the people during the election campaign.
“The people of the state have given us a great responsibility. We will work hard to fulfil each of the promises we made. We will implement them one by one. We will work together for a new Kerala,” he said.
The veteran Congress leader also praised AICC general secretary KC Venugopal and senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, his key rivals in the Chief Minister race, and said both played a “stellar role” in the alliance’s success in last month’s Assembly polls.
“I will ensure they are taken into confidence as we begin this journey. They are my leaders. No one can play a single-handed role. A strong team must be there,” Satheesan said.
Also Read: The delay in choosing the Kerala CM caused irreparable damage: The takeaway for Congress
Satheesan also thanked the AICC leadership and defended the delay in naming a chief minister, even as Kerala remained without a government 10 days after the party secured a historic win. He said the delay was part of a natural democratic process within the Congress.
“The delay is not an ignominy for the party. It is just a procedure. Many factors would have come before the leadership, and it naturally took time to arrive at a consensus,” he added.
He said the Congress and the UDF coalition featured a “galaxy of leaders”, and choosing one among several experienced contenders was not easy.
“There is nothing unusual or concerning about the delay. The party has many capable leaders, and discussions are natural in such circumstances,” he added.
Satheesan further said the formal process of government formation would continue through the UDF parliamentary party meeting and subsequent discussions with the Governor.
“The parliamentary party meeting is yet to be held. After meeting the Governor, decisions regarding the oath of office and secrecy, and other formalities, will be taken,” he said.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
