VD Satheesan will take the oath as the Kerala Chief Minister on May 18. The Congress MLAs will take the oath on May 21.

Senior Congress leader AK Antony said on Thursday that he fully supports the decision of the party high command to name VD Satheesan as the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala.

"My only appeal is to please give some reasonable time to Satheesan to get out of this mess. Kerala is totally bankrupt, so he needs some time," he said.

The Congress' Kerala chief minister pick - VD Satheesan - invited (not unexpected) jabs from the BJP Thursday afternoon, with the saffron party labelling its rival 'the Muslim League'. The taunt was in reference to perception the choice was dictated by pressure from the Indian Union Muslim League, which is part of the Congress-led ruling United Democratic Front.

The BJP accused the Congress of having 'bowed down to the IUML' and practicing 'politics of appeasement', which is the catch-all term to criticise rivals seen as being influenced by voters from minority communities and issues relevant to them.

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The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday took a swipe at the Congress, saying that its decision to appoint V D Satheesan as the next Kerala chief minister exposes "infighting" within the party. The party alleged that the new government will be "remote-controlled".

"It is clear that Kerala's chief ministerial face was decided in New Delhi and not in Kerala. The announcement was made from the AICC headquarters in Delhi, which shows that this will be a remote-controlled 'sarkar' (government)," said BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on X.

After being named as the Kerala chief minister, Congress leader VD Satheesan visited senior party colleague AK Antony, who has served as the chief minister of the state thrice.

Satheesan was the Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing government.

Kerala chief minister-designate VD Satheesan leaves for the Legislative Assembly to attend the Congress Legislature Party meeting.

#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam | CM designate VD Satheesan leaves for the Legislative Assembly to attend the Congress Legislature Party meeting pic.twitter.com/PiM76la1Y8

— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2026

The Congress' Kerala chief minister pick - VD Satheesan - invited (not unexpected) jabs from the BJP Thursday afternoon, with the saffron party labelling its rival 'the Muslim League'. The taunt was in reference to perception the choice was dictated by pressure from the Indian Union Muslim League, which is part of the Congress-led ruling United Democratic Front.

Congress leaders and newly elected MLAs on Thursday extended their greetings to V D Satheesan soon after the AICC announced him as the CM of Kerala.

KPCC president Sunny Joseph shared a photograph of Satheesan on Facebook and wrote, "Congratulations to V D Satheesan, the 24th chief minister of Kerala." MP Shafi Parambil also congratulated Satheesan on being selected as the CM of Kerala.

In a Facebook post, Parambil, the KPCC working president, described Satheesan as the leader of the Congress-led UDF government and extended his wishes.

Congress leader and MLA V T Balram also congratulated Satheesan, saying the announcement reflected the will of the people.

(PTI)

VIDEO | Delhi: Congress leader Shama Mohamed on VD Satheesan being picked as Kerala CM, says, "It is a very good decision. It is a decision taken by the high command. You have seen what KC (Venugopal) ji has said, he has accepted the decision. All of us will the decision of high… pic.twitter.com/nOpFUub1pA

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 14, 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday congratulated Congress leader V D Satheesan on being elected as the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in Keralam and as the next Chief Minister of the state.

In a post on X, Siddaramaiah praised Satheesan's long political journey and expressed confidence in his leadership.

Congratulations to Shri @vdsatheesan on being named as the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party in Keralam and as the next Chief Minister of Keralam.
A six-term MLA, former Leader of Opposition from 2021 to 2026, and a leader who began his public life through student… pic.twitter.com/2T40HmVRax

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 14, 2026

The 10-day wait was worth the time. At least for VD Satheesan, who was named the Kerala Chief Minister by the Congress high command on Thursday afternoon. 

#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam: On VD Satheesan named as the Chief Minister of Keralam, Congress leader K. Muraleedharan says, "We are very happy. The people who voted in favour of the UDF wanted VD Satheesan as the Chief Minister. The people of Keralam welcome this… pic.twitter.com/3VVwgIXj2W

— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2026

#WATCH | Delhi | On Congress leader VD Satheesan named as the CM of Keralam, RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha says, “…I hope that he converts the challenges into opportunities, given that he received such a huge mandate.” pic.twitter.com/bj5Y05uRNK

— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2026

BJP slams Congress' CM pick VD Satheesan, says Congress cannot survive without Muslim League@vedikas @PadmajaJoshi @ShivAroor pic.twitter.com/KiR5o8sdsO

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 14, 2026

IUML, the second-largest constituent in UDF, on Thursday welcomed the AICC decision to select VD Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Kerala.

Speaking to reporters, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) state president Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal congratulated Satheesan and said the party fully supports the Congress High Command's decision.

"The decision has come. Along with the people of Kerala, we also approve it. Satheesan will be able to deliver good governance," he said.

He said the IUML would function as part of "Team UDF", a concept highlighted by Satheesan during the recent Assembly elections.

"Satheesan has always spoken about Team UDF. It will be a Team UDF government," he said.

Thangal also appreciated the AICC for following democratic procedures in selecting the Chief Minister.

(PTI)

The BJP on Thursday took a swipe at the Congress over its decision to appoint V D Satheesan as the next Kerala chief minister, saying the move exposes "infighting" within the party and shows that it would be a "remote-controlled government".

The Congress has named Satheesan as the next chief minister of Kerala, ending days of suspense and speculation over the matter.

In a post on X, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla claimed that the Congress party's central leadership has imposed the decision on the state unit.

"It is clear that Kerala's chief ministerial face has been decided in New Delhi and not in Kerala. The announcement was made from the AICC headquarters in Delhi, which shows that this will be a remote-controlled 'sarkar' (government)," he said.

The BJP leader also claimed there was disagreement within the Gandhi family over the leadership choice in Kerala and alleged that Satheesan was selected due to "pressure from Priyanka Gandhi", who "did not want Rahul Gandhi's candidate KC Venugopal at any cost".

(PTI)

#NDTVExclusive | Keralam Chief Minister designate VD Satheesan speaks exclusively to NDTV, credits his victory to team UDF pic.twitter.com/QtFQ1dAqIg

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 14, 2026

VD Satheesan is a six-time MLA from the Paravur constituency in Kerala's Ernakulam district, was backed by Congress ally IUML, and was widely seen as the 'people's choice' to be the new chief minister of Kerala.

For the last decade, V D Satheesan has built his image as an aggressive opposition voice in Kerala politics, mixing sharp attacks on the Left government with a calm and accessible public style.

The 61-year-old lawyer-turned-politician from Paravur near Kochi, who rose through the student wing of the Congress party and is seen by supporters as a leader who helped revive the party's energy after its 2021 defeat, is the new Chief Minister of Kerala.

The party high command chose him after considering his performance as leader of opposition in the Kerala assembly, where he focused heavily on corruption allegations, law-and-order issues and the state's financial troubles, often taking the fight directly to Left Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Although he was never a minister before, colleagues describe him as disciplined and media-savvy, while critics within the Congress say his centralised style has sometimes upset senior leaders in the faction-ridden party.

Satheesan is also credited with bringing younger faces into the Congress organisation and trying to project a cleaner and more modern image for the opposition alliance.

His strong performance in the 2026 Kerala election, where the Congress-led UDF made major gains, has strengthened his position as one of the leading contenders for the chief minister's post.

(PTI)

After being named Keralam CM, VD Satheesan says, "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. All AICC leaders called me and congratulated me."

"I have to discuss with my party and coalition leaders," he says, on being asked if he will meet the Governor today.

#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram | After being named Keralam CM, VD Satheesan says, "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. All AICC leaders called me and congratulated me."
"I have to… pic.twitter.com/bLe3g9FCLM

— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2026

Kerala Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan said he sees the post not as a personal achievement but a collective responsibility, thanking KC Venugopal and other senior leaders and stressing that only a united effort can fulfil the aspirations of the people.

"I do not see this position as a personal achievement, but as something divine. It was KC Venugopal who coordinated all the activities of the AICC. His support was immense. Ramesh Chennithala is also my leader. I will take all of them into complete confidence. I seek the support of every section of people in Keralam. Only a collective effort can build a new Keralam. No one can do it alone; a team can achieve it," Satheesan said.

Keralam Chief Minister designate VD Satheesan terms his appointment “divine, not personal,” credits AICC coordination by KC Venugopal, calls Ramesh Chennithala his leader, and seeks collective support to build a “new Kerala” pic.twitter.com/eo6F2PMUY9

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 14, 2026

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala left his residence soon after the AICC announced V D Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Kerala.

Chennithala was also among those considered for the post.

When the AICC announcement was made, reporters reached Chennithala's residence at Vazhuthacaud here.

Congress leader Jyothi Kumar Chamakkala told reporters that Chennithala was not at home and had already left.

However, he did not reveal where Chennithala had gone.

(PTI)

Keralam Chief Minister designate VD Satheesan said, "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 for that."

#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram: VD Satheesan arrives at the Congress office after announcement of his name as the Keralam CM, to address the media soon pic.twitter.com/9LPgPbipn2

— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2026

"I am fully satisfied, I stand with high command pick": Congress MP KC Venugopal pic.twitter.com/32XZEjZV40

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 14, 2026

Congress leader KC Venugopal welcomed the decision to name VD Satheesan as Kerala Chief Minister. He congratulated Satheesan, and expressed confidence that the new leadership will fulfil the UDF's promises.

#WATCH | Delhi: Congress General Secretary (Org) KC Venugopal says, "The final decision has come, and the Congress high command decided VD Satheesan as the Chief Ministerial candidate for Keralam Government. I am welcoming that decision wholeheartedly. I am congratulating VD… pic.twitter.com/5eKXImTOET

— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2026

VD Satheesan To Be Kerala Chief Minister, Congress Ends Suspense@ShivAroor @VedikaS @TMVRaghav pic.twitter.com/Olt5idC2mO

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 14, 2026

#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram | "It is a very good decision," says Keralam Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph, as VD Satheesan is announced as Keralam CM. pic.twitter.com/PkiIffXqvl

— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2026

Celebrations erupted across Kerala on Thursday after V D Satheesan was selected by the Congress High Command as the next Chief Minister of the state. 

Satheesan was at the Contonment House in Thiruvananthapuram, the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition, when AICC leaders announced it in New Delhi. 

 Soon after the announcement, jubilant Satheesan supporters burst firecrackers and distributed sweets in several parts of the stat

#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram: Celebrations begin at the residence of VD Satheesan as Congress names him the Chief Minister of Keralam. pic.twitter.com/OT0tJabMmm

— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2026

#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram: Celebrations begin at the Congress Office in Keralam after the party names VD Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Keralam. pic.twitter.com/LHG0gEyymA

— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2026

🔴#BREAKING | Congress announces VD Satheesan as new Chief Minister of Keralamhttps://t.co/UldGdB5xHU pic.twitter.com/6IjQ8NIAGy

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 14, 2026

#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam | Congress workers supporting VD Satheesan outside his residence as the party is likely to announce the Keralam CM name today pic.twitter.com/7rtdLxG4rq

— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2026

Congress is likely to pick VD Satheesan over KC Venugopal as Kerala Chief Minister, sources said.

🔴#BREAKING | VD Satheesan Likely to be Keralam's Next Chief Minister: Sources; Congress to Make Announcement Shortly At Key Presser At 12 PM
NDTV's @Vasudha156 & @journalistaswin join @divyawadhwa with more details pic.twitter.com/a4l1zRWXRz

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 14, 2026

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday held last-minute deliberations with top party leaders ahead of the announcement of the chief ministerial pick for Kerala.

Sources said Kharge held discussions with AICC general secretary in-charge for Kerala Deepa Dasmunshi and two senior observers -- Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik -- who had met all newly-elected legislators in the state.

(PTI)

🔴#BREAKING | Keralam Congress seeks time to meet Governor Rajendra Arlekar amid Chief Minister tussle
NDTV's @journalistaswin joins @divyawadhwa with more details pic.twitter.com/szU5eDMO2t

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 14, 2026

KC Venugopal vs VD Satheesan: Who Will Rahul Gandhi Pick Amid Keralam Chief Minister tussle@divyawadhwa pic.twitter.com/rj2NrHxrD9

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 14, 2026

🔴#BREAKING | Keralam Congress meet in Thiruvananthapuram
at 4 PM, Keralam Chief Minister name announcement likely at presser at 12 PM
NDTV's @journalistaswin & @tejshreethought join @divyawadhwa with more details pic.twitter.com/QnojomxdhD

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 14, 2026

Congress leader Joseph Vazhackan on Thursday reached the residence of the senior party leader, and one of the top contenders for the next Keralam Chief Minister, Ramesh Chennithala, as the suspense for the state's top position continues.

Speaking to the reporters, Joseph Vazhackan addressed the high stakes involved in the decision, assuring that a good decision, which does not hurt anyone, will be made by the party's leadership.

Ramesh Chennithala, VD Satheesan and Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal are the top contenders for the CM post.

"Even if delayed, a good decision will come. When there is more than one person, a decision that does not hurt anyone will be made. That is probably why there was a slight delay in making the decision," he said.

Addressing the delay over the announcement, Vazhackan emphasised that the three top leaders are being considered for the post and the leadership is focused on not making any mistakes.

(ANI)

Congress leader Joseph Vazhackan on Thursday said that 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.

He said the party High Command has to take the final call, with V D Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and K C Venugopal being considered for the post.

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.

(PTI)

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 here.

(PTI)

🔴#BREAKING | KC Venugopal and Rahul Gandhi meeting underway in the national capital amid Keralam Chief Minister tussle
NDTV's @journalistaswin & @tejshreethought join @divyawadhwa with more details pic.twitter.com/sk4ATUW6fQ

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 14, 2026

🔴#BREAKING | "No Chief Minister despite full majority" : BJP slams Congress' Keralam 'confusion'
NDTV's @journalistaswin & @tejshreethought join @divyawadhwa with more details pic.twitter.com/43feCL91TW

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 14, 2026

The shortlist has come down to two - General Secretary KC Venugopal and the outgoing Leader of the Opposition, VD Satheesan - while senior leader Ramesh Chennithala is a dark horse.

Under Rahul Gandhi :
Congress is CONFUSED Congress.
Despite majority; Congress is not able to declare it's Chief Minister Candidate in Kerala through consensus....
No one listens to Rahul, Rahul listens to no one 😂 pic.twitter.com/WInR9V15UM

— Pradeep Bhandari(प्रदीप भंडारी)🇮🇳 (@pradip103) May 14, 2026

BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Thursday targeted the Congress over the Kerala Chief Minister deadlock, alleging fighting within the party and accusing its leadership of lacking consensus on governance.

Massive internal fighting inside Congress on Kerala CM Post. Those who cannot have a consensus candidate; promise about governance 😂
Congress is only master of loot!
KC Venugopal firm on CM post.
Rahul Gandhi is still meeting KC Venugopal.
Public protest inside Congress is…

— Pradeep Bhandari(प्रदीप भंडारी)🇮🇳 (@pradip103) May 14, 2026

Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan on Thursday appreciated the party's High Command for adopting a clear process to select the next Chief Minister of Kerala.

Speaking to reporters, Radhakrishnan, who is an elected legislator from Kottayam, said the High Command had heard everyone, with Rahul Gandhi directly involved in the process.

"This is a process with clarity which cannot be questioned by anyone. In a democracy, only such a process can be followed. I express my happiness to the High Command for it," Radhakrishnan said.

He said confusion in selecting a leader from multiple names is natural.

"It cannot be said that in a democratic party every person should have the same opinion. Here, the Congress party has a coordinating force, which is its leadership. The party leadership adopted all processes, including the meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP), meetings in New Delhi, and further discussions. After all the processes, the leadership is going to announce its final decision," he said.

(PTI)

Kerala Congress (J) chairman P J Joseph on Thursday reiterated that the party will seek two ministerial berths when the UDF comes to power.

He was speaking to reporters before leaving from Thodupuzha to Thiruvananthapuram, where a UDF meeting has been called to take forward the process of government formation.

The UDF secured 102 out of 140 seats, while Kerala Congress (J) has seven MLAs.

"We will make our claim in the UDF meeting. We will ask for two ministers," he said.

He said he hopes the Congress leadership will consider the views of ally parties while selecting the next Chief Minister.

(PTI)

Hours ahead of the CLP meeting on Thursday to choose the next CM of Kerala, senior leader V D Satheesan left for Thiruvananthapuram with his family, Ramesh Chennithala interacted warmly with reporters outside his residence, while K C Venugopal arrived at Rahul Gandhi's residence in New Delhi..

All three are the contenders for the post of chief minister of Kerala.

Visuals aired by TV channels showed Venugopal leave his official residence in New Delhi and then arrive at Rahul Gandhi's home several minutes later.

There were a large number of supporters outside Satheesan's home in Aluva here and they wished him the best of luck as he left for Thiruvananthapuram with his family.

(PTI)

Congress's VD Satheesan, aspirant for the top job in Kerala, has hardened his stance, sources close to him said, making it clear that he is not ready to accept any other post.  And the top job for his is not exactly what the party's central leadership has in mind. 

VIDEO | Kerala: Posters emerge near Wayanad district Congress office warning Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of losing further polls if KC Venugopal is nominated for Kerala CM post.
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/5jiNqy54Hr

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 13, 2026

The CLP meeting is scheduled to be held at the KPCC headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday afternoon to elect its legislative leader, as the party moves towards announcing its chief ministerial candidate for Kerala.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by KPCC chief Sunny Joseph, the Congress Legislature Party meeting will be held at 1:00 pm on May 14.

The announcement came as the Congress high command indicated that the suspense over the next chief minister of Kerala would end on Thursday, nearly 10 days after the Assembly election results were declared.

(PTI)

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has said that the name of the next Kerala chief minister will be announced tomorrow.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi met Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge to discuss the name of the next Kerala chief minister.

The BJP has slammed the Congress for delaying the announcement of the name of the next chief minister.

"Unfortunately, the people of a state have given their mandate, yet even after so many days, they have not got a Chief Minister. The Congress is a party of indecision, and this is precisely why the public keeps them sitting at home," said BJP MP Brijmohan Agrawal.

Congress MP Tariq Anwar said all the leaders in the chief ministerial race are capable politicians.

"The three leaders (K.C. Venugopal, V.D. Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala) are all capable, and whichever one is given responsibility will fulfil it properly. The high command is considering which of the three should be entrusted with this duty. Our leadership is working to arrive at one name," he said.

Congress leader VM Sudheeran said the decision should be made at the earliest.

"Yesterday, I discussed with Rahul Gandhi... We are also waiting... That (people's choice) is very clear... I have conveyed what I have studied and understood after observing Kerala's situation... The decision should be made at the earliest," he said.

The Congress will hold a major meeting this evening to discuss the name of the next Kerala chief minister. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge will meet Rahul Gandhi at 5.30 pm today. This meeting is being seen as crucial for deciding the chief minister, and an announcement is likely afterwards.