The Congress on Thursday, May 14, announced VD Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Kerala.
This ends the suspense over who will hold the top post in the southern state, after hectic backroom discussions in the national capital kept party leaders, workers and even alliance partners on edge.
On being named the next CM of Kerala, Satheesan said, “There will be a new era, a new Kerala. We know the fiscal situation of Kerala is vulnerable. We are hopeful that we can change everything. All AICC leaders called me and congratulated me.”
Asked whether he will meet the Governor today, he added, “I have to discuss with my party and coalition leaders.”
#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram | After being named Keralam CM, VD Satheesan says, “There will be a new era, a new Kerala. We know the fiscal situation of Kerala is vulnerable. We are hopeful that we can change everything. All AICC leaders called me and congratulated me.”
“I have to… pic.twitter.com/bLe3g9FCLM
— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2026
Soon after the announcement, celebrations erupted across the state. Satheesan was at the Cantonment House in Thiruvananthapuram, the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition, when AICC leaders announced it in New Delhi, PTI reported.
Satheesan’s supporters burst firecrackers and distributed sweets in several parts of the state after the decision was made.
On Thursday, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, held a crucial meeting with Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal at his residence, sparking intense speculation in political circles.
Apart from Satheesan, Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala were considered the other top contenders for the post.
Venugopal said that he accepts the party decision to select Satheesan as the chief minister of Kerala and congratulated him.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Venugopal said he will provide all support to the CM and the UDF government in Kerala.
“Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi discussed about the situation and the decision making process. They called me and asked me my opinion and we all discussed that… I am thanking the MLAs, party workers, party functionaries for the support they have given to me. Finally, the party took a decision and as a sincere Congressman we are all behind the party decision,” Venugopal said.
This comes after the Congress-led UDF registered a historic win in the 2026 Assembly elections in Kerala, marking an end to Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF’s 10-year rule.
Meanwhile, Keralam Congress president Sunny Joseph said, “We welcome the decision taken by AICC. We congratulate the new CM, VD Satheesan. CLP meeting after Observers arrive at 4 pm approximately.”