VD Satheesan Thanks Congress high command after being named Kerala Chief Minister
The Congress on Thursday officially named V.D. Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Kerala, ending days of speculation over the leadership choice after the United Democratic Front’s massive victory in the Assembly elections.
Soon after the announcement, Satheesan thanked the Congress high command, party workers and UDF supporters for placing their trust in him, calling the responsibility “divine” rather than a personal achievement.
“My party has entrusted me with a great responsibility. I thank Rahul Gandhi and others for that. Lakhs of UDF workers and leaders worked hard in this election. I am grateful to them,” Satheesan said after being declared Chief Minister-designate.
The announcement was made by AICC leaders Ajay Maken, Mukul Wasnik and Deepa Dasmunshi at a press briefing in New Delhi.
Satheesan also acknowledged the support of senior Congress leaders, including K.C. Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala, and stressed the importance of collective leadership in rebuilding Kerala.
“I do not see this position as a personal achievement, but as something divine. Only a collective effort can build a new Kerala. No one can do it alone; a team can achieve it,” he said.
The six-time MLA from Paravur also promised a “new era” for Kerala and expressed confidence that the new government would address the state’s financial and governance challenges.
“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,” Satheesan added.
The Congress-led UDF secured 102 seats in the 140-member Kerala Assembly, returning to power with a more than two-thirds majority.
Senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal welcomed the decision and said he fully supported the high command’s choice, while celebrations erupted outside Satheesan’s residence and Congress offices across Kerala after the announcement..
