Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has raised concerns over the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, warning that its provisions could weaken the state’s revenue-raising powers. The proposed changes have sparked debate over the balance between the Centre’s authority and states’ financial and regulatory rights over mineral resources.

Mines & Minerals Amendment Bill: Kerala CM Satheesan flags adverse impact on revenue raising powers

The Kerala government has formally closed the long-running vigilance case against Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, bringing an investigation launched by the previous LDF government to an end. The case was linked to the Punarjani flood rehabilitation project, which aimed to support victims of the devastating 2018 Kerala floods. Authorities said there was no legal or factual basis to continue the investigation, describing the case as politically motivated. However, the opposition CPIM-led LDF has strongly criticized the decision, alleging that the UDF government granted Satheesan a clean chit despite evidence. The move has sparked a fresh political confrontation in Kerala, with both sides accusing each other of using investigations for political purposes.


Kerala Government Closes Vigilance Case Against CM V.D. Satheesan | LDF Slams UDF

V D Satheesan took oath as Kerala CM with a 21-member UDF Cabinet featuring veteran leaders, political heirs, youth faces and first-time MLAs from Congress and allies.

Who’s in CM VD Satheesan’s cabinet? Meet the new Kerala UDF ministers

Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the new Kerala government on Monday, chief minister-designate V D Satheesan on Sunday (May 17) met Governor Rajendra Arlekar and submitted the final list of his proposed cabinet ministers, including three women.&nbsp;Addressing a press conference at Cantonment House in Thiruvananthapuram, Satheesan announced the names of 20 ministers who will take the oath along with him at the ceremony scheduled for Monday morning.&nbsp;The cabinet includes senior leaders such as Ramesh Chennithala, KPCC chief Sunny Joseph and K Muraleedharan.&nbsp;“Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan will be the Speaker and Shanymol Usman will be the Deputy Speaker,” Satheesan said, adding that Kerala Congress chief P J Joseph will serve as the Chief Whip.<h2>UDF government to take oath on Monday</h2>The United Democratic Front (UDF) government is scheduled to be sworn in on Monday at 10 am at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.&nbsp;“After 60 years, the full cabinet of UDF is going to be sworn in tomorrow at 10 am. Today, the 20 ministers' list we have submitted to the Governor. Twenty-one ministers will be sworn in along with me,” Satheesan said.&nbsp;Explaining the cabinet formation, he said social, regional and community representation had been taken into account while selecting ministers.&nbsp;“We have 63 MLAs, some are more eligible than others, but unfortunately, we have to consider the social and regional balance and the representation of women and Dalit representation. We are not able to include all the eligible persons in the cabinet. We have included two members from the SC, two women are in the Cabinet, and one Deputy Speaker is a woman. We have done the maximum to accommodate...” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-demanding-concessions-in-counterproposal-it-failed-to-achieve-through-war-iran-media-1779023150721">US demanding concessions in counterproposal it failed to achieve through war: Iran media</a>&nbsp;Satheesan also said several senior Congress leaders would attend the swearing-in ceremony, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.<h2>Congress gets 11 berths, IUML five in new UDF cabinet</h2>&nbsp;On portfolio allocation, Satheesan said, “The allocation of departments has been almost finalised, with only a few minor corrections remaining.”&nbsp;The Congress nominees in the cabinet include VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, K Muraleedharan, Sunny Joseph, Bindhu Krishna, AP Anil Kumar, PC Vishnunadh, M Liju, Roji M John, T Siddique, OJ Janeesh and KA Thulasi.&nbsp;The IUML representatives are PK Kunhalikutty, PK Basheer, N Shamsudeen, KM Shaji and VE Abdul Gafoor. Other alliance partners include Mons Joseph from Kerala Congress, Shibu Baby John from RSP, Anoop Jacob from Kerala Congress (Jacob) and CP John from CMP.&nbsp;Satheesan led the Congress-led UDF to a decisive victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, ending the Left Democratic Front’s decade-long rule in the state. The Congress won 63 seats, while the UDF secured 102 seats in the 140-member Assembly. The LDF won 35 seats, while the BJP managed to win three constituencies.

CM-elect V D Satheesan and his 20-member cabinet are set to take oath on Monday, with senior Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony.

Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the new Kerala government on Monday, chief minister-designate V D Satheesan on Sunday (May 17) met Governor Rajendra Arlekar and submitted the final list of his proposed cabinet ministers, including three women. Addressing a press conference at Cantonment House in Thiruvananthapuram, Satheesan announced the names of 20 ministers who will take the oath along with him at the ceremony scheduled for Monday morning. The cabinet includes senior leaders such as Ramesh Chennithala, KPCC chief Sunny Joseph and K Muraleedharan. “Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan will be the Speaker and Shanymol Usman will be the Deputy Speaker,” Satheesan said, adding that Kerala Congress chief P J Joseph will serve as the Chief Whip. UDF government to take oath on Monday The United Democratic Front (UDF) government is scheduled to be sworn in on Monday at 10 am at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. “After 60 years, the full cabinet of UDF is going to be sworn in tomorrow at 10 am. Today, the 20 ministers' list we have submitted to the Governor. Twenty-one ministers will be sworn in along with me,” Satheesan said. Explaining the cabinet formation, he said social, regional and community representation had been taken into account while selecting ministers. “We have 63 MLAs, some are more eligible than others, but unfortunately, we have to consider the social and regional balance and the representation of women and Dalit representation. We are not able to include all the eligible persons in the cabinet. We have included two members from the SC, two women are in the Cabinet, and one Deputy Speaker is a woman. We have done the maximum to accommodate...” he said. Also Read: US demanding concessions in counterproposal it failed to achieve through war: Iran media Satheesan also said several senior Congress leaders would attend the swearing-in ceremony, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Congress gets 11 berths, IUML five in new UDF cabinet On portfolio allocation, Satheesan said, “The allocation of departments has been almost finalised, with only a few minor corrections remaining.” The Congress nominees in the cabinet include VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, K Muraleedharan, Sunny Joseph, Bindhu Krishna, AP Anil Kumar, PC Vishnunadh, M Liju, Roji M John, T Siddique, OJ Janeesh and KA Thulasi. The IUML representatives are PK Kunhalikutty, PK Basheer, N Shamsudeen, KM Shaji and VE Abdul Gafoor. Other alliance partners include Mons Joseph from Kerala Congress, Shibu Baby John from RSP, Anoop Jacob from Kerala Congress (Jacob) and CP John from CMP. Satheesan led the Congress-led UDF to a decisive victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, ending the Left Democratic Front’s decade-long rule in the state. The Congress won 63 seats, while the UDF secured 102 seats in the 140-member Assembly. The LDF won 35 seats, while the BJP managed to win three constituencies.

CM-elect V D Satheesan and his 20-member cabinet are set to take oath on Monday, with senior Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony.

CM-elect VD Satheesan unveils Kerala cabinet ahead of swearing-in ceremony on Monday

After weeks of hectic parleys, Congress has named VD Satheesan as the Chief Minister of Keralam. This ends the 10-days suspense in the state as Congress party delayed the announcement of the Chief Minister amid reports of rift within the party. The frontrunners for the top was Satheesan and Congress MP KC Venugopal and and senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala. Congress observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken consulted the MLAs and MPs and informed Rahul Gandhi about their choices. The Congress LoP then spoke to Satheesan, and later met senior Congress leaders from Kerala, including former state unit chiefs to arrive at the decision. The Congress Legislature Party had earlier passed a resolution authorising the high command to make the final call on the leadership question.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Thiruvananthapuram: Celebrations begin at the Congress Office in Keralam after the party names VD Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Keralam. <a href="https://t.co/LHG0gEyymA">pic.twitter.com/LHG0gEyymA</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2054814033921159471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Who is VD Satheesan?</h2>It is a full circle moment for 61-year-old Satheesan, who had declared that he would step away from active politics if the UDF failed to secure a convincing mandate in the recently concluded Keralam Elections. He was born in Nettur in Ernakulam district and entered politics through student activism at Sacred Heart College, Thevara. He later held leadership positions in student organisations, including the Mahatma Gandhi University Union and the National Students Union of India (NSUI). He lost his first Assembly election in 1996, but has won the Paravur seat continuously since 2001. he steadily consolidated his position in the constituency and went on to win repeatedly from the seat. The UDF’s victory and his elevation to the top post has now placed him as the most influential Congress leaders in Kerala.&nbsp;Throughout the Assembly campaign, Satheesan strongly emphasised secularism and projected the UDF as an alternative to both majority and minority communal politics. He also energised party workers and alliance partners with the “Team UDF” slogan, which became a key theme of the campaign. Known as a strong organiser, Satheesan is credited by party leaders with reviving the UDF’s political momentum through key byelection victories and the alliance’s strong performance in Kerala during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Satheesan was sidelined during the Oommen Chandy government.<h2>What was the Kerala Assembly Elections?</h2>In the Kerala Assembly election, the United Democratic Front (UDF) ended a decade-long rule of Left Democratic Front (LDF). In the 140-member Assembly, the UDF secured 102 seats, comfortably crossing the majority mark. Congress won 63 seats, while its ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), secured 22 seats. The LDF was reduced to 35 seats, with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) winning 26 seats and the Communist Party of India securing 8. Other allies registered marginal gains. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won three seats, improving its presence in the Assembly compared to previous elections. Former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan retained his Dharmadam constituency but the alliance he led lost leading to his ouster.

The Congress party has named V. D. Satheesan as the Chief Minister of Kerala after weeks of intense discussions and political negotiations. The announcement ends speculation over the party’s leadership choice in the southern state.

After weeks of hectic parleys, Congress has named VD Satheesan as the Chief Minister of Keralam. This ends the 10-days suspense in the state as Congress party delayed the announcement of the Chief Minister amid reports of rift within the party. The frontrunners for the top was Satheesan and Congress MP KC Venugopal and and senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala. Congress observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken consulted the MLAs and MPs and informed Rahul Gandhi about their choices. The Congress LoP then spoke to Satheesan, and later met senior Congress leaders from Kerala, including former state unit chiefs to arrive at the decision. The Congress Legislature Party had earlier passed a resolution authorising the high command to make the final call on the leadership question.

The Congress party has named VD Satheesan as the Chief Minister of Kerala after weeks of intense discussions and political negotiations. The announcement ends speculation over the party’s leadership choice in the southern state.

Congress names VD Satheesan as Kerala Chief Minister: Who is he

A day after the Kerala Assembly election results were announced on May 4, I saw flex boards in the south Indian state's Ernakulam district, describing KC Venugopal as the 'only king'. It was a clear indication that the Congress party leader was favoured by many party workers for the post of chief minister, over other names doing the rounds: VD Satheeshan, Ramesh Chennithala and Shashi Tharoor. Over the next few days, the good old 'groupism' for which the Congress party in Kerala is infamous came to the fore. Multiple flex boards came up across cities favouring Satheesan too. A prominent state leader of the party, Satheesan was considered the face of the Congress election campaign and victory. By the end of the week, it emerged that 47 out of the 63 elected Congress legislators favour Venugopal, who is most likely to become the CM. But what does this infighting signify?<h2>UDF victory marred by factionalism over who should be Kerala CM</h2>The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) had a sweeping victory in the Kerala Assembly elections, winning around 102 seats, with Congress alone bagging 63. Yet, the Congress high command is yet to announce the chief minister, amid an intense internal contest that has spilled onto the streets.Veteran leader Ramesh Chennithala and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor do not appear to have either party or cadre support for the chief minister's role. That then leaves Venugopal and Satheesan in the fray.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kc-venugopal-vs-vd-satheesan-kerala-congress-power-dynamics-under-spotlight-1778061566661/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/kc-venugopal-vs-vd-satheesan-kerala-congress-power-dynamics-under-spotlight-1778061566661/embed</a><h2>Odds are in favour of KC Venugopal</h2>Venugopal, who is All India Congress Committee General Secretary, is being favoured by both the Congress high command and the majority of Congress MLAs. Venugopal has been playing a national role in recent years as a Member of Parliament from Alappuzha. There have already been 'leaked' lists of support for Venugopal, which show around 80 per cent preference for him. Some UDF MLAs from the Malabar region also favour him, according to reports. He is being praised for his organisational role and close ties to Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.<h2>VD Satheesan worked his way up in Congress, but is likely to be snubbed</h2>VD Satheesan, who never held a ministerial post in past Congress governments, was a strong Leader of the Opposition during the last Assembly. He has support from Congress workers at the grassroots level. He led the opposition effectively in the Assembly and spearheaded the Congress party's election campaign in Kerala. Reportedly, MLAs from the UDF ally party Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) support him. He is seen as a street leader with mass appeal, who confronted Pinarayi Vijayan's Left government directly.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cm-race-intensifies-as-vd-satheesan-supporters-launch-street-march-1778250413911">Kerala CM race intensifies as VD Satheesan supporters launch street march</a><h2>VD Satheesan vs Venugopal CM race leads to street protests, flex wars</h2>Amid public and private displays of protests on streets and online, the delay in announcing the CM post is causing fears of a resurgence of factionalism in Congress. Supporters of Satheesan held marches, rallies and protests across the state, shouting slogans like “Only VD”, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts. Some tore down posters and flex boards favouring Venugopal, and one worker in Kottayam attempted self-immolation, which was foiled.The battle is also being fought online, with social media posts and factional lobbying.The local Congress body, the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), urged workers to stop protests, demonstrations and flex-board wars to maintain unity, knowing fully well how these could damage the party. But some defiance continued throughout the past week.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cong-s-keralam-s-cm-contenders-who-among-vd-satheesan-ramesh-chennithala-kc-venugopal-or-shashi-tharoor-will-get-the-crown-1777903537339">Cong’s Keralam CM contenders: Who among VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, KC Venugopal, or Shashi Tharoor will get the crown?</a><h2>Satheesan wants CM post or nothing amid accusations Venugopal is being parachuted from Delhi</h2>Supporters of Satheesan allege that the Congress high command in New Delhi is 'parachuting' a non-MLA like Venugopal to the CM post. Venugopal will have to contest a by-election to be fully eligible for the CM post, after he is sworn in. This is usually engineered by contesting in a party stronghold constituency.The Venugopal camp stresses the numerical support within the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) for the leader, and the utility of his strong ties to the central leadership.Satheesan supporters are highlighting his role as the face of the campaign and opposition for five years, and his ground-level popularity.&nbsp;Satheesan himself has reportedly taken a firm stand: CM post or nothing. He would not take any ministerial role or compromise, and would remain an MLA.<h2>What next for the Congress chief minister race in Kerala?</h2>The Congress Legislative Party in Kerala passed a resolution saying it will abide by the high command's decision on chief minister post.&nbsp;&nbsp;But aggressive private lobbying is continuing behind the scenes.AICC observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik have completed consultations with MLAs and submitted their reports. Key leaders, including Satheesan and KPCC chief Chennithala, have been summoned to Delhi for discussions. A final decision is likely on or before May 11. The swearing-in ceremony will possibly take place next week, with Rahul Gandhi likely to attend.But Congress appears to have spoiled the mood of victory. The government is controversial on arrival. The factionalism that plagued the party in the state for decades is likely to return once again.

Kerala chief minister race: Congress party's victory in Kerala assembly election 2026  triggered a fierce CM race between KC Venugopal and VD Satheesan. This is reviving memories of factionalism. With protests on streets and online, the government is controversial even before starting

A day after the Kerala Assembly election results were announced on May 4, I saw flex boards in the south Indian state's Ernakulam district, describing KC Venugopal as the 'only king'. It was a clear indication that the Congress party leader was favoured by many party workers for the post of chief minister, over other names doing the rounds: VD Satheeshan, Ramesh Chennithala and Shashi Tharoor. Over the next few days, the good old 'groupism' for which the Congress party in Kerala is infamous came to the fore. Multiple flex boards came up across cities favouring Satheesan too. A prominent state leader of the party, Satheesan was considered the face of the Congress election campaign and victory. By the end of the week, it emerged that 47 out of the 63 elected Congress legislators favour Venugopal, who is most likely to become the CM. But what does this infighting signify? UDF victory marred by factionalism over who should be Kerala CM The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) had a sweeping victory in the Kerala Assembly elections, winning around 102 seats, with Congress alone bagging 63. Yet, the Congress high command is yet to announce the chief minister, amid an intense internal contest that has spilled onto the streets. Veteran leader Ramesh Chennithala and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor do not appear to have either party or cadre support for the chief minister's role. That then leaves Venugopal and Satheesan in the fray. https://www.wionews.com/videos/kc-venugopal-vs-vd-satheesan-kerala-congress-power-dynamics-under-spotlight-1778061566661/embed Odds are in favour of KC Venugopal Venugopal, who is All India Congress Committee General Secretary, is being favoured by both the Congress high command and the majority of Congress MLAs. Venugopal has been playing a national role in recent years as a Member of Parliament from Alappuzha. There have already been 'leaked' lists of support for Venugopal, which show around 80 per cent preference for him. Some UDF MLAs from the Malabar region also favour him, according to reports. He is being praised for his organisational role and close ties to Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. VD Satheesan worked his way up in Congress, but is likely to be snubbed VD Satheesan, who never held a ministerial post in past Congress governments, was a strong Leader of the Opposition during the last Assembly. He has support from Congress workers at the grassroots level. He led the opposition effectively in the Assembly and spearheaded the Congress party's election campaign in Kerala. Reportedly, MLAs from the UDF ally party Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) support him. He is seen as a street leader with mass appeal, who confronted Pinarayi Vijayan's Left government directly. Also read: Kerala CM race intensifies as VD Satheesan supporters launch street march VD Satheesan vs Venugopal CM race leads to street protests, flex wars Amid public and private displays of protests on streets and online, the delay in announcing the CM post is causing fears of a resurgence of factionalism in Congress. Supporters of Satheesan held marches, rallies and protests across the state, shouting slogans like “Only VD”, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts. Some tore down posters and flex boards favouring Venugopal, and one worker in Kottayam attempted self-immolation, which was foiled. The battle is also being fought online, with social media posts and factional lobbying. The local Congress body, the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), urged workers to stop protests, demonstrations and flex-board wars to maintain unity, knowing fully well how these could damage the party. But some defiance continued throughout the past week. Also read: Cong’s Keralam CM contenders: Who among VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, KC Venugopal, or Shashi Tharoor will get the crown? Satheesan wants CM post or nothing amid accusations Venugopal is being parachuted from Delhi Supporters of Satheesan allege that the Congress high command in New Delhi is 'parachuting' a non-MLA like Venugopal to the CM post. Venugopal will have to contest a by-election to be fully eligible for the CM post, after he is sworn in. This is usually engineered by contesting in a party stronghold constituency. The Venugopal camp stresses the numerical support within the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) for the leader, and the utility of his strong ties to the central leadership. Satheesan supporters are highlighting his role as the face of the campaign and opposition for five years, and his ground-level popularity. Satheesan himself has reportedly taken a firm stand: CM post or nothing. He would not take any ministerial role or compromise, and would remain an MLA. What next for the Congress chief minister race in Kerala? The Congress Legislative Party in Kerala passed a resolution saying it will abide by the high command's decision on chief minister post. But aggressive private lobbying is continuing behind the scenes. AICC observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik have completed consultations with MLAs and submitted their reports. Key leaders, including Satheesan and KPCC chief Chennithala, have been summoned to Delhi for discussions. A final decision is likely on or before May 11. The swearing-in ceremony will possibly take place next week, with Rahul Gandhi likely to attend. But Congress appears to have spoiled the mood of victory. The government is controversial on arrival. The factionalism that plagued the party in the state for decades is likely to return once again.

Kerala chief minister race: Congress party's victory in Kerala assembly election 2026 &nbsp;triggered a fierce CM race between KC Venugopal and VD Satheesan. This is reviving memories of factionalism. With protests on streets and online, the government is controversial even before starting

KC Venugopal Vs VD Satheesan: Kerala chief minister race brings back good old 'groupism' in Congress party

Following the Congress-led United Democratic Front’s (UDF) sweeping victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, the race for the Chief Minister’s post has intensified, with senior Congress leaders VD Satheesan, KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala emerging as key contenders.&nbsp;A large group of Congress workers marched from the Palayam Martyrs’ Memorial on Thursday (May 08), demanding that the current Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan be appointed the next Chief Minister of Kerala. Supporters raised slogans in his favour as pressure mounted on the party leadership ahead of the final decision.&nbsp;At the same time, posters of Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal appeared along Trivandrum Road earlier this week as party workers celebrated the UDF’s massive election victory. The posters further fuelled speculation over who would eventually be chosen to lead the new government.&nbsp;Congress leader K Muraleedharan said the final decision on the Chief Ministerial face would be taken by the party high command after consultations with senior leaders from Kerala.&nbsp;Speaking after the Congress Legislature Party meeting at the Kerala Congress headquarters, Muraleedharan said the party’s central observers had already left for Delhi and would submit their report to the leadership.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cm-rekha-gupta-orders-fire-building-audits-after-surprise-school-inspection-1778256311147">Delhi CM Rekha Gupta orders fire, building audits after surprise school inspection</a>&nbsp;“The central observers will submit their report today... The decision will be taken by the high command tomorrow in consultation with the senior leaders of Kerala... The name will probably be announced the day after tomorrow... The decision of the high command is final,” he said.&nbsp;Muraleedharan also said that despite internal differences, all party leaders would unite once the high command announces its final choice.&nbsp;The UDF secured a commanding victory in the 140-member Assembly, winning 102 seats in the April 9 elections. Congress emerged as the single largest party in the alliance with 63 seats, while its key ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), won 22 seats.Meanwhile, tensions escalated in Kerala’s Kottayam district on Friday after a Congress worker allegedly attempted self-immolation while demanding that VD Satheesan be made Chief Minister.&nbsp;According to witnesses, the worker, identified as Francis, arrived at a busy junction in Kaduthuruthy and raised slogans in support of Satheesan. He then allegedly poured petrol on himself in public and threatened to take the extreme step, saying he was frustrated over the ongoing leadership uncertainty within the party.&nbsp;The incident added to the growing political pressure on the Congress leadership as the party prepares to announce Kerala’s next Chief Minister.

A large group of Congress workers marched from the Palayam Martyrs’ Memorial on Thursday, demanding that the current Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan be appointed the next Chief Minister of Kerala.

Following the Congress-led United Democratic Front’s (UDF) sweeping victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, the race for the Chief Minister’s post has intensified, with senior Congress leaders VD Satheesan, KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala emerging as key contenders. A large group of Congress workers marched from the Palayam Martyrs’ Memorial on Thursday (May 08), demanding that the current Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan be appointed the next Chief Minister of Kerala. Supporters raised slogans in his favour as pressure mounted on the party leadership ahead of the final decision. At the same time, posters of Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal appeared along Trivandrum Road earlier this week as party workers celebrated the UDF’s massive election victory. The posters further fuelled speculation over who would eventually be chosen to lead the new government. Congress leader K Muraleedharan said the final decision on the Chief Ministerial face would be taken by the party high command after consultations with senior leaders from Kerala. Speaking after the Congress Legislature Party meeting at the Kerala Congress headquarters, Muraleedharan said the party’s central observers had already left for Delhi and would submit their report to the leadership. Also Read: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta orders fire, building audits after surprise school inspection “The central observers will submit their report today... The decision will be taken by the high command tomorrow in consultation with the senior leaders of Kerala... The name will probably be announced the day after tomorrow... The decision of the high command is final,” he said. Muraleedharan also said that despite internal differences, all party leaders would unite once the high command announces its final choice. The UDF secured a commanding victory in the 140-member Assembly, winning 102 seats in the April 9 elections. Congress emerged as the single largest party in the alliance with 63 seats, while its key ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), won 22 seats. Meanwhile, tensions escalated in Kerala’s Kottayam district on Friday after a Congress worker allegedly attempted self-immolation while demanding that VD Satheesan be made Chief Minister. According to witnesses, the worker, identified as Francis, arrived at a busy junction in Kaduthuruthy and raised slogans in support of Satheesan. He then allegedly poured petrol on himself in public and threatened to take the extreme step, saying he was frustrated over the ongoing leadership uncertainty within the party. The incident added to the growing political pressure on the Congress leadership as the party prepares to announce Kerala’s next Chief Minister.

A large group of Congress workers marched from the Palayam Martyrs’ Memorial on Thursday, demanding that the current Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan be appointed the next Chief Minister of Kerala.

Kerala CM race intensifies as VD Satheesan supporters launch street march

A political tussle is intensifying in Kerala as factions within the UDF clash over who will take the Chief Minister’s post after their electoral win. K. C. Venugopal claims the backing of a majority of Congress MLAs, while V. D. Satheesan asserts strong grassroots support among party workers. The internal battle has put the spotlight on leadership dynamics within the alliance, even as supporters await clarity.


KC Venugopal vs VD Satheesan: Power Tussle Over CM Face in Keralam

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) expelled senior member Simi Rosebell John from the party on Sunday (Sep 1). The expulsion came after Simi Rosebell John, a day earlier, alleged an existing “casting couch” culture within the party, similar to what is often reported in the film industry.

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) expelled senior member Simi Rosebell John from the party on Sunday (Sep 1). The expulsion came after Simi Rosebell John, a day earlier, alleged an existing “casting couch” culture within the party, similar to what is often reported in the film industry. Here's what KPCC's official statement announcing her expulsion said In an official statement, the KPCC said that John was ousted for making derogatory comments about female leaders during media interactions. The decision to expel John came after several female leaders within the party urged the KPCC leadership to take action against her, according to the official statement. Also read: 'Can't be demolished even if he's a convict': Supreme Court on 'bulldozer justice' The KPCC’s statement also mentioned serious breach of discipline as the reason for her expulsion. “Women leaders from the KPCC's political affairs committee, female office-bearers of the PCC, and the Mahila Congress president jointly appealed to the leadership to act against her,” the statement read. What did Simi Rosebell John claim? Simi Rosebell John, who hails from Ernakulam, claimed on Saturday (Aug 31) that women within the party have been subjected to exploitation similar to the “casting couch” culture in the film industry. She accused the party of fostering an environment where women must tolerate such exploitation to secure opportunities. John made sexual harassment accusations against several leaders, including the Congress Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan. She said that women are forced to "impress" male leaders to advance within the party, often sidelining merit and experience. What did Simi Rosebell John say after her expulsion from KPCC? Following her expulsion, John addressed a news conference in Kochi, where she criticised Congress Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan. She said, “Satheesan stated that women with dignity and pride cannot work in this party. A person who dedicated themselves to the party has now been expelled.” Also read: Supreme Court grants bail to Kejriwal aide Bibhav Kumar in Swati Maliwal assault case John challenged the party leadership to present any evidence they might have against her, urging them to clarify the reasons for their actions. "They should produce evidence if they claim a conspiracy involving CPI(M)," she said. John also expressed fears for her safety, adding, “They tried to trample on a helpless person like me... VD Satheesan isn’t afraid of anyone... many who once stood with me are now in different positions. I fear walking on the road; anything could happen to me.” In an interview with NDTV on Monday, John said she plans to "reach out to Sonia Gandhi" to bring her allegations to light. "I am not afraid... I will fight," she asserted. This incident comes as similar allegations of sexual harassment are making headlines in the Kerala film industry. (With inputs from agencies)

Woman leader ousted from Kerala Congress for her ‘casting couch’ allegations; vows to talk to Sonia Gandhi

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vd satheesan

Mines & Minerals Amendment Bill: Kerala CM Satheesan flags adverse impact on revenue raising powers

Kerala Government Closes Vigilance Case Against CM V.D. Satheesan | LDF Slams UDF

Who’s in CM VD Satheesan’s cabinet? Meet the new Kerala UDF ministers

CM-elect VD Satheesan unveils Kerala cabinet ahead of Monday oath ceremony

VD Satheesan to become next Kerala CM: Who is he

Venugopal or Satheesan? Kerala CM race brings back 'groupism'

Kerala CM race intensifies as VD Satheesan supporters launch street march

KC Venugopal vs VD Satheesan: Power Tussle Over CM Face in Keralam

Woman leader ousted from Kerala Congress for her ‘casting couch’ allegations; vows to talk to Sonia Gandhi