The suspense surrounding Kerala’s CM face has finally ended. On Thursday, Congress officially announced VD Satheesan as their choice for Chief Minister. Satheesan, a six-time MLA from Paravur, has played a crucial role in reviving the Congress party in Kerala.
View this post on Instagram
This decision follows days of internal struggles within the party. Three potential candidates, VD Satheesan, KC Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala, were considered for the CM position. However, after intense deliberations, Congress chose Satheesan.
Victory and The Ongoing CM Face Debate
The announcement came after the results of the Kerala assembly elections on May 4, where the United Democratic Front (UDF) emerged victorious. Congress led the UDF, winning 63 seats, while CPI(M) secured 26 seats. IUML, CPI, and other smaller parties contributed to UDF’s success.
Despite the impressive victory, debates about the CM face continued within the party. Supporters of Satheesan, Chennithala, and Venugopal lobbied to influence the decision. Several meetings were held, with speculation that the final call would come from Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, or Mallikarjun Kharge.
VD Satheesan’s Political Journey
VD Satheesan represents Paravur and has been elected six times to the Kerala Assembly. His journey began in student politics in the 1990s, where he became involved with Kerala Students Union and Youth Congress. Satheesan’s deep connections within the party and his powerful speeches have made him a prominent figure in Kerala politics.
Between 2021 and 2026, Satheesan served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly. His leadership and strategic approach have helped the Congress maintain its presence in Kerala’s competitive political environment.
KC Venugopal’s Reaction and Acknowledgment of the Decision
After the announcement, KC Venugopal expressed satisfaction with the party’s decision. He said, “I am completely satisfied with the decision of the high command. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi consulted me before making the final call. I thank all the legislators, party workers, and officials who supported me.”
Despite the internal tension, Venugopal, a senior Congress leader, reiterated his commitment to stand by the party’s decision.
The Future of Congress and UDF in Kerala
With VD Satheesan taking the lead as the CM face, the UDF hopes to build on its success in the Kerala Assembly elections. However, this internal resolution is just the beginning. Now, the party needs to maintain unity and channel its focus on governing Kerala effectively.
