Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan speaks to the media, in Thiruvananthapuram, Thursday, May 14, 2026. | Photo Credit: -

The new United Democratic Front (UDF) government led by VD Satheesan is likely to be sworn in on Monday, nearly a fortnight after the coalition secured a sweeping mandate in the Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters here after being announced as the high command’s choice as Chief Minister, Satheesan said he was indebted to the AICC, Congress leadership and the people at large for entrusting him with a “huge responsibility.” Emphasising the coalition’s collective effort, he said the victory had been achieved by “Team UDF” with the support of all alliance partners.

CLP meeting soon

The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) is scheduled to meet later in the evening in the presence of AICC general secretary in charge Deepa Dasmunshi and observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik, who are expected to arrive in Thiruvananthapuram shortly from New Delhi.

Even as preparations gather pace for the new government, signs of disquiet have surfaced within the Congress. Senior leader Ramesh Chennithala, regarded as the senior-most among the chief ministerial aspirants, is learnt to have conveyed his strong displeasure to the party high command over Satheesan’s selection.

Signs of disquiet

Chennithala is understood to have expressed frustration that his seniority, organisational discipline and administrative experience had once again been overlooked. He is learnt to have conveyed as much to the Congress high command through its representatives before the formal announcement of Satheesan as Chief Minister.

Reports meanwhile suggested that Ramesh Chennithala may stay away from the Congress Legislature Party meeting this evening. He is said to have left his Thiruvananthapuram residence soon after Satheesan’s elevation was confirmed, possibly for Guruvayur, where he traditionally offers prayers at the Srikrishna temple on the first day of every Malayalam month.

Refutes reports

However, one of Chennithala’s closest associates among the newly elected MLAs dismissed speculation of any sulking on his part, saying he was “far too senior a leader” for such displays of discontent. As a disciplined Congressman, the MLA said, Chennithala would abide by the high command’s decision, a position he had reiterated on several occasions in the past.

Venugopal offers support

The other prominent contender for the Chief Minister’s post, KC Venugopal, has meanwhile extended full support to the incoming Satheesan government. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Venugopal said that, as a committed party loyalist, he would abide by the decision of the high command.

Party sources said Venugopal enjoyed the backing of a majority within the Congress Legislature Party. However, the leadership is understood to have ultimately favoured Satheesan in recognition of the sweeping mandate secured by the UDF under his leadership after a decade in the political wilderness.

Published on May 14, 2026