VD Satheesan, the Congress leader and former Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, takes oath as the state’s Chief Minister after the Congress-led UDF returns to power. Multiple outlets describe Satheesan as a lawyer-turned-politician from Kochi who has built his profile through legislative work, public speaking and party organisation. Congress selects him as its Chief Ministerial choice after internal deliberations. Reporting also says his elevation follows intense lobbying and leadership efforts within Congress, including figures such as Ramesh Chennithala and K C Venugopal. UDF’s comeback is linked to Satheesan’s role in challenging the Left government in the Assembly and strengthening the campaign ahead of the election.
Satheesan is sworn in in Thiruvananthapuram alongside a 20-member cabinet. Coverage notes that senior national Congress leaders are expected or attend the oath-taking, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. News18 also reports that the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), an influential UDF ally, backs Satheesan for the Chief Minister position.
