Kerala Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan speaks to the media, in Thiruvananthapuram, Thursday, May 14. PTI
LIVE! VD Satheesan set to meet Governor; Pinarayi is Oppn Leader
In his first remarks as Chief Minister-designate, Satheesan reached beyond party lines, appealing for the Opposition's cooperation as well
The Congress has named VD Satheesan as the next chief minister of Kerala, ending days of suspense and speculation.
The decision was announced in New Delhi at a press conference by AICC in-charge of Kerala Deepa Dasmunsi and the party's central observers for the state Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik, as well as Congress general secretary in-charge communications, Jairam Ramesh.
The three main contenders for the post of chief minister were Satheesan, KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala.
Accordingly, the Congress president has held extensive discussions with the Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, Sonia Gandhi; the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi; AICC observers who met the newly elected MLAs; and many other leaders, including MPs and former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee chiefs.
VD Satheesan, set to take over as Kerala’s 13th Chief Minister, struck a measured and inclusive tone as he addressed the media in Thiruvananthapuram, shortly after being chosen for the post.
With the formal swearing-in scheduled for Monday, Satheesan acknowledged the weight of the moment, describing the role as a “great responsibility” entrusted to him by the Congress leadership. He made it a point to thank the All India Congress Committee and party workers across Kerala, signalling continuity with the organisational backbone that powered the UDF’s victory.
In his first remarks as Chief Minister-designate, Satheesan reached beyond party lines, appealing for the Opposition's cooperation as well. Framing governance as a collective task in a politically and economically challenging environment, he stressed that “everyone must stand united” to address the state's issues.
A decision on the next Kerala chief minister had been pending since May 4 when the Congress-led UDF bagged 102 seats out of the 140, which is more than a two-thirds majority.
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Live Updates
- 14 May 2026 1:30 PM IST
Chennithala NOT to join Cabinet?
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has conveyed his dissent to the high command after VD Satheesan was appointed Kerala Chief Minister.
He reportedly said his seniority was not taken into account and that he was overlooked despite maintaining party discipline.
Sources say Chennithala is unlikely to attend the legislature party meeting and has indicated he may not join the cabinet. According to reports, Chennithala is on his way to Guruvayoor Temple in Thrissur district.
- 14 May 2026 1:09 PM IST
What KPCC chief Sunny Joseph says
KPCC chief Sunny Joseph on Thursday said that Congress workers in Kerala welcome and accept the party high command's decision selecting V D Satheesan as chief minister of the state.
Speaking to reporters at the Indira Bhavan, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief Joseph said that AICC observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik along with the party-incharge of the state Deepa Dasmunsi will reach Thiruvananthapuram by 4 pm.
Following that, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting of the party MLAs will be held at the Assembly in the evening, Joseph said.
He also said that leaders of the UDF coalition partners were on their way to the state capital and after discussions with them, a decision will be taken on when to meet the Governor.
- 14 May 2026 1:05 PM IST
VDS appointed CM: What Muslim League says
What key UDF ally Muslim League says:
We are really happy that VD Satheesan has been made the CM.
Congress listened to the public mood/sentiments
We will discuss govt formation later
List of League ministers will be announced shortly
- 14 May 2026 12:48 PM IST
What VD Satheesan said after being elected as Kerala CM
What VD Satheesan said after being elected as Kerala CM
I am thankful to all Congress leaders and I personally thank Rahul Gandhi and the high command for this great opportunity.
Team UDF will strive hard and try to make a new Kerala CM
I personally thank KC Venugopal for all the election work. Also, I personally thank Ramesh Chennithala.
Kerala is in a bad shape, and we will try to save the state.
We will build a great team and we will transform the state.
Delay in picking CM is natural. Look at the other states.
Will talk to all leaders and make decisions. I don't make independent decisions.
The party will have a final call on all policy decisions.
- 14 May 2026 12:25 PM IST
Ramesh Chennithala upset?
Local reports say Ramesh Chennithala, who was one of the CM contenders, may skip the CLP meeting. According to media reports, he is ''highly disappointed'' by the High Command's decision.
- 14 May 2026 12:23 PM IST
What 'lost-out-CM' KC Venugopal says
I am completely satisfied with the High Command decision, says KC Venugopal
- 14 May 2026 11:34 AM IST
Will CM be announced at noon? Let us wait!
Latest updates, no, twists, in Kerala CM race:
Congress's Kerala in-charge Deepa Dasmunsi , along with Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken, the party's central observers for electing the CLP leader, are presently meeting Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi.
The three are expected to leave for Thiruvananthapuram later in the day. They will convene a CLP meeting where the name of the CLP leader is expected to be announced as per the legislature party's resolution, which had unanimously authorised the Congress high command to take a call on the matter.
The latest we've heard is that a press conference is scheduled in New Delhi for noon. We really don't know, for that matter, no one does, if the CM name will be declared there. There are chances it could be delayed again.
- 14 May 2026 11:24 AM IST
Congress CM: Amid uncertainty, CLP meeting deferred
Speculation is intensifying as the race for Kerala’s next Chief Minister narrows to a close contest between senior Congress leaders KC Venugopal and VD Satheesan.
While earlier reports indicated an announcement in Thiruvananthapuram, media reports now suggest the official decision will be made in New Delhi. Notably, Venugopal remains in the capital, while Satheesan is on his way to Thiruvananthapuram.
Congress Legislature Party meeting was scheduled at 1 pm, but reports say it has been deferred.
(Developing story; updates to follow)
- 14 May 2026 11:20 AM IST
Delay in Kerala CM decision natural, should not hurt anyone: Joseph Vazhackan
Congress leader Joseph Vazhackan has said the delay in deciding the next Kerala Chief Minister is natural and should not hurt anyone.
Speaking to reporters, Vazhackan said a decision should be taken in a manner that does not hurt any leader. “To ensure that no one is hurt, some time is taken,” he said.
Vazhackan said it was natural for multiple names to be in contention and added that he could not predict who would be chosen.
“It is not a major delay. Similar delays have happened earlier, including in the selection of a CPI(M) Chief Minister. When leaders of similar stature are being considered, it is natural to take time. There should be no mistake when a decision is taken,” he said.
Vazhackan, who is considered close to Chennithala, said the Haripad MLA is a senior leader and a deserving candidate. “All candidates have presented their merits. There is nothing wrong in that. The High Command has to decide,” he said.
- 14 May 2026 11:19 AM IST
No delay in CM decision; time till May 23: Chandy Oommen
Late Congress stalwart Oommen Chandy's son, Chandy Oommen on Thursday said there has been no delay in choosing the CM of Kerala as according to the constitution there is time till May 23 to decide that.
Oommen, the MLA elect from Puthuppally assembly seat, said that Congress was not an autocratic or one-man party and needs to discuss with everyone, taking into account all their claims and objections, before arriving at a decision.
"When there are so many eligible leaders, what is wrong in the party holding discussions with everyone? There is nothing wrong in it. As per democratic norms, we are holding a meeting and after that the decision will be announced," he told a TV channel.
