In the last five years, people have mostly seen them engage in verbal duels inside the State Legislative Assembly, with sparks flying and each provoking the other into fiery arguments. The images of Pinarayi Vijayan and V.D. Satheesan, which were going viral on television and social media on Friday, however, had an endearing quality about them.

When Mr. Satheesan, the Chief Minister-designate, called on Mr. Vijayan, the outgoing Chief Minister and soon-to-be Leader of the Opposition, at the latter’s residence on Friday, there was only warmth and camaraderie for all to see.

Mr. Vijayan was there on the verandah of his house, along with his wife, daughter and grandson, to greet Mr. Satheesan, when the latter called on him. He took the Chief Minister-designate by the hand and ushered him inside, where they spent nearly twenty minutes conversing over tea.

To the eager group of mediapersons waiting outside the house, jostling each other to get the best shot of the two politicians together, Mr. Satheesan said that he had come seeking the support of Mr. Vijayan, one of the senior-most and most seasoned politicians in the State, as he was about to take on a new and challenging task ahead.

Despite the prodding by mediapersons, Mr. Vijayan remained smiling, yet reticent. However, Mr. Satheesan said that there were clearly political differences between them and that they may not always be in agreement on all issues at the policy level.

“But in all matters of the State that pertain to its development and the welfare of the people, I expect his wholehearted support. We have no intention of discarding the projects of the previous government blindly. But we may step in and make corrections wherever required,” Mr. Satheesan said.