Kerala Congress govt to take oath on May 18, says CM-designate Satheesan
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) on Thursday officially named VD Satheesan as its Chief Minister face in Kerala after scripting a comprehensive electoral comeback and ending the Left Democratic Front’s decade-long rule in the state.
While UDF came to power with 102 seats in the 140-member Kerala Assembly, LDF’s seat count dropped to 35. The BJP-led NDA won three seats.
Also read: Congress elects veteran VD Satheesan as Chief Minister in KeralaThe decision ended weeks of intense speculation within the Congress, with the party’s top command weighing in on a three-cornered leadership contest featuring senior leaders with strong organizational and electoral credentials.
Although multiple names were discussed, Satheesan was long seen as the leader. The former Leader of Opposition is widely credited with rebuilding the Congress organization in Kerala after two consecutive Assembly defeats and reviving cadre morale across the state.
Meet Kerala’s new CM candidate
Satheesan, a senior legislator, has represented Paravur constituency in Ernakulam district since 2001 and currently serves as the vice-president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee.
Under his leadership, the UDF turned this momentum into a decisive Assembly election victory after delivering strong performances in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the 2025 local body elections. He also played a central role in the alliance’s victories in key bypolls including Thrikkakara, Puthuppally and Nilambur, helping the Opposition maintain its momentum against the ruling Left front.
Also read: Who is VD Satheesan? The man who led Congress’ Kerala comeback and won the CM race
Within Parliament and during the political campaign, Satheesan emerged as one of the harshest critics of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the LDF government, repeatedly attacking the government for governance problems, allegations of corruption and administrative failures.
He also gained a reputation within the party for his decisive organizational control. His handling of internal controversies, including the Rahul Mamkooathil incident, was seen by many in the Congress as an assertion of discipline and leadership authority.
