The Congress on Thursday officially named senior leader V.D. Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Kerala, ending nearly 10 days of uncertainty and internal discussions over who would lead the new United Democratic Front (UDF) government.
The decision came after multiple rounds of consultations by the Congress high command in New Delhi following the alliance’s decisive victory in the Kerala Assembly elections. Senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal, were part of the final discussions.
The UDF secured a strong mandate in the 2026 Assembly elections by winning 102 seats in the 140-member House, marking a major comeback for the Congress-led alliance and ending the Left Democratic Front’s decade-long rule in the state.
Although Satheesan emerged as the frontrunner soon after the results, the party leadership took time to build consensus amid reports of internal considerations and leadership discussions involving other senior figures.
Party observers appointed by the Congress also met newly elected UDF MLAs before the final decision. The legislators reportedly expressed clear support for Satheesan, strengthening his claim to the top post.
Soon after the announcement, senior Congress leaders welcomed the decision and stressed unity within the party. K.C. Venugopal said the party would work together under Satheesan’s leadership to ensure stable governance in Kerala.
A six-time MLA from Paravur, Satheesan has been one of the most prominent faces of the Congress in Kerala. As Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing Assembly, he played a key role in the UDF campaign against the ruling LDF, focusing on governance issues and allegations of corruption.
His elevation reflects the Congress party’s attempt to project a more assertive and younger leadership in Kerala.
Satheesan will take oath as Chief Minister on Monday.
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