The Congress on Thursday (May 14, 2026) named V.D. Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Kerala, ending days of suspense and speculation over the post after his leadership helped the UDF alliance sweep back to power in the State.
The six-time MLA from Paravur, Vadassery Damodaran Satheesan, who turns 62 later this month, steered the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) landslide victory in the 2026 Assembly elections, in which the alliance secured a commanding 102 seats in the 140-member Assembly.
V.D. Satheesan to transform himself from the fiery Opposition leader to Chief Minister
The decision was announced in New Delhi at a press conference attended by AICC Kerala in-charge Deepa Dasmunsi, the party’s central observers for Kerala — Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik — and Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh.
The three main contenders for the Chief Minister’s post were Mr. Satheesan, K.C. Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala.
