Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress on Thursday announced V.D. Satheeshan as its choice for the Kerala Chief Minister's post, ending days of suspense after the UDF emerged victorious in the Assembly election results declared on May 4. The swearing-in of the UDF ministry is set for Monday.
Following an announcement in Delhi after 11 days of anxiety, protests and lobbying, Satheeshan was duly elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party meeting in Thiruvananthapuram. He proceeded to Lok Bhavan and staked claim, handing over the letters of support from the UDF allies for forming government to Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar.
Satheeshan, 61, will be sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala along with 20 ministers. The oath ceremony will be held at the Central Stadium behind the Secretariat. Satheesan has specially invited AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal, seen as one of the claimants to the post, for the government formation.
The UDF high power committee will meet on Friday to discuss ministerial berths for allies including the Indian Union Muslim League, Kerala Congress (Joseph), RSP, Kerala Congress (Jacob), CMP, and RMP.
At the CLP meeting, PCC president Sunny Joseph moved a resolution to elect Satheesan as leader. It was backed by senior leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan.
The meeting was attended by 62 legislators, along with AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala Deepa Dasmunshi and central observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken. Ramesh Chennithala, who was reportedly unhappy over the AICC decision, skipped the meeting.
Satheesan highlighted the contributions of Venugopal and the guidance of Chennithala, expressing gratitude to the observers for their continued support.
Satheesan thanked the UDF workers and leadership, crediting them for his rise, and to the people of Kerala for giving them this responsibility. He noted that the people ended the LDF's 10-year rule, bringing the UDF to power with 102 seats. Promising to fulfill their commitments, improve living standards, and usher in a new era, he described political work and public service as a duty to the people, adding that he feels there is something divine in the responsibility entrusted to them.